This paper examines how to optimize security using the Intel white paper “Defenses in Depth Strategy Optimizes Security” as the model for analysis. This paper is written for an IT department both to help better understand the business perspective of time and costs associated with planning and preparation, but also to provide perspective on the risks associated with trying to do too much, instead of taking a streamlined approach to being effective and efficient in handling IT security issues. First the business challenges are discussed, before providing an overview of the methodologies of prediction, prevention, detection and response in order to have solutions for security issues that may arise.