Modern Threats Demand a Modern Strategy—This Framework Delivers

Cybersecurity isn’t just about tools—it’s about how you orchestrate them. Many SMBs and government agencies fall into the trap of stacking point solutions without a strategic framework. The result? Gaps in visibility, bloated budgets, and uncertainty about what’s actually working.

That’s where the Cyber Defense Matrix® comes in.

At ACME, we use this deceptively simple—but incredibly effective—model to map, measure, and mature your entire security program. Let’s break it down.

What Is the Cyber Defense Matrix®?
Created by security expert Sounil Yu, the Cyber Defense Matrix helps you organize your security tools and capabilities across five functional areas:

Identify

Protect

Detect

Respond

Recover

… and across five asset classes:

Devices

Applications

Networks

Data

Users

Imagine a grid. Now imagine placing every tool, policy, or process you use into its appropriate cell. You immediately see what’s covered—and what’s not.

The Problem Most SMBs Face
SMBs and government orgs often struggle with:

Tool sprawl with overlapping features.

Over-investment in “Protect” capabilities, under-investment in “Respond” or “Recover.”

Confusion over whether compliance = security (spoiler: it doesn’t).

Limited staff trying to manage too much tech.

By aligning your operations to the Cyber Defense Matrix®, you stop guessing—and start planning.

How ACME Puts the Matrix to Work
At ACME, we use the Cyber Defense Matrix® as a blueprint to:

Evaluate your existing security posture
Expose blind spots and redundant tools
Prioritize initiatives that reduce risk AND cost
Map your tools to NIST CSF® for compliance and audit-readiness

Here’s how that looks in action:

Matrix Cell ACME MSSP Coverage
Detect – Network NDR (Network Detection & Response)
Protect – User MFA, Phishing Simulation, DNS Filtering
Respond – Devices XDRaaS + SOAR = Automated Isolation & Containment
Recover – Data Backup Strategy + Incident Playbooks
Identify – Apps Attack Surface Management (ASM)

The result? Every asset. Every function. Covered.

Real-World Benefits: Why It Matters to SMBs & Government Teams
Here’s what our clients say once we implement the Cyber Defense Matrix®:

“We finally understand where our budget is going—and what it’s protecting.”

“We realized we had 3 tools doing the same thing and still had gaps.”

“Our board loved the visual clarity—we could show risk and ROI in one slide.”

This isn’t just a framework—it’s a decision-making tool that saves time, budget, and confusion.

The ACME Advantage
We don’t just hand you a Matrix—we bring the solutions to fill it.

XDRaaS for deep threat detection across endpoints, users, and networks.
SOCaaS for 24/7 monitoring without the in-house SOC price tag.
SIEM + SOAR for visibility and automated response.
GRC-as-a-Service to align your security strategy with compliance and risk management.

All of it mapped back to NIST CSF and the Cyber Defense Matrix for clear, measurable progress.

Final Thoughts: Security Shouldn’t Feel Like Guesswork
If your current cybersecurity setup feels like a collection of band-aids and black boxes, you’re not alone.

The Cyber Defense Matrix® brings order to the chaos—especially when paired with a trusted MSSP like ACME. We translate frameworks into practical action, and tools into real protection.

Ready to See Where You Stand?
Let’s map your defenses and expose your blind spots—before an attacker does.

Book a 30-minute consult
You’ll walk away with a Matrix-based snapshot of your security posture—zero jargon, just clarity.