What does Security Level 2 (SL-2) protect against?

Security Level 2 (SL-2) is designed to protect against intentional violations that typically employ simple means. This level of security assumes a more determined and knowledgeable adversary compared to Security Level 1, where the focus is primarily on casual violations. In the context of SL-2, the measures are structured to mitigate risks that arise from threats posed by individuals who possess some level of intention to disrupt, without resorting to advanced or sophisticated techniques.

The defensive strategies at SL-2 are thus aligned to handle attacks that are not overly complex, highlighting the importance of establishing robust access controls, monitoring, and incident response capability. The goal is to ensure that while these threats can be executed by individuals with basic skills and tools, the organization implements sufficient layers of security to deter, detect, and respond effectively.

In contrast, the emphasis at different levels, such as SL-1, focuses on more straightforward threats that arise from negligence or lack of awareness, which does not require the same depth of strategy as SL-2. Consequently, taking measures against intentional violations that employ simpler means is crucial at this level, reinforcing the importance of a tailored security posture that evolves with the sophistication of potential threats.