Air Gapped System! What You Should Know About It

Air Gapped System, also known as isolated systems or disconnected networks, are designed to keep a network completely air-gapped from any other system. They are isolated from the internet, and all external access is blocked. That means that any Data stored on such a system is inaccessible to hackers and unauthorized personnel. Air gapped systems are used in highly sensitive environments to protect critical data and prevent malicious actors from obtaining access. In this article, we will discuss the basics of air gapped systems, their types and benefits, implementation strategies and best practices for security.

Understanding Air Gapped System

Air gapping is a term used to describe a form of network segmentation. It means that one or more devices are completely isolated from the internet and any other external networks. This ensures that data stored on these devices is secure, as there is no way for malicious actors to access it. Air gapped systems also provide an additional layer of security because they can’t be infected with viruses or malware.

How Air Gapped System Work

Air gapping works by completely isolating a network from the outside world. This means that all external access is blocked, including connections to the internet. To achieve this, air gapped systems use firewalls and other security measures, such as encryption and authentication protocols. By doing so, air gapped networks are able to protect data from malicious actors while preserving its integrity.

Types Air Gapped System

Air gapped networks come in various shapes and sizes. Here are four common types of air gapped systems:

Stand-alone systems –

These are isolated from all other networks, including the internet and external devices. They are normally used for sensitive operations that require high levels of security.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) –

A VPN is a private network that allows remote users to connect securely over the internet while still protecting sensitive data. A VPN can be used to securely connect an air-gapped system to an external network.

Air Gapped System for Storage –

This is a type of air gapped system designed specifically for storing sensitive data. It typically includes encryption, authentication, and other security measures that protect the integrity of the stored data.

Air Gapping as a Service (AgaSS) –

AgaSS is a type of cloud computing service that provides air gapped systems as a service. It allows organizations to access resources from the cloud without exposing them to the internet or external networks.

Benefits of Air Gapped System

Air gapping offers many benefits, such as:

Improved security –

Air gapped networks provide an extra layer of security, as they are isolated from external threats.

Increased privacy –

Air gapped systems protect sensitive data from unauthorized access and ensure that only authorized personnel can access it.

Enhanced reliability –

With no external connections, air gapped systems are more reliable and less prone to disruptions.

Improved trust –

By keeping data secure and private, air gapped systems help build user trust in the system.

Cost savings –

Air gapping can reduce costs associated with security measures, such as firewalls and antivirus software.

Increased flexibility –

Air gapped networks allow organizations to easily adapt their infrastructure to changing requirements.

Improved compliance –

Air gapped systems help organizations comply with security regulations and protect their data against cyber attacks.

Reduced complexity –

Air gapping simplifies the network architecture, which makes it easier to manage.

Faster access times –

Air gapping reduces network latency, resulting in faster access times.

Enhanced scalability –

Air gapping makes it easier to scale up or down depending on the needs of the organization.

Implementing Air Gapped System

Implementing an air gapped system requires careful planning and execution. Here are four steps you should follow to successfully implement an air gapped system:

Gather requirements –

You need to determine the type and amount of data that needs to be stored, as well as the number of users who will access the system. This will help you decide on the appropriate air gapping measures.

Design infrastructure –

After gathering the requirements, you can design an infrastructure that meets the specified needs. This should include firewalls, antivirus software, and any other security measures that are necessary.

Set up system –

Once the infrastructure is designed, you can begin setting up the system. This process includes connecting all of the hardware components, configuring security settings, and integrating various applications into the network.

Test and monitor –

Finally, you should test the system to make sure it meets your requirements. Additionally, you should establish a monitoring system that will alert you if there are any security issues or breaches.

Ensuring Accessibility and Recovery

Ensuring accessibility and recovery is an important part of air gapping. It is important to keep backups of all data stored on the system and have a plan in place for recovering lost or corrupted files. Additionally, you should consider implementing access control measures to ensure that only authorized personnel can access the system.

Conclusion

Air gapped systems are an effective way to protect sensitive data from external threats while preserving its integrity and privacy. They offer many benefits, such as improved security, reliability, and compliance. When implementing an air gapped system, it is important to gather requirements, design the infrastructure correctly, set up the system properly, test and monitor it regularly, and ensure accessibility and recovery. Doing so will help ensure that your data remains secure at all times.

FAQs

What is an air gapped system?

An air gapped system is a network that has been isolated from all external connections, including the internet. It uses firewalls and other security measures to protect data from malicious actors while preserving its integrity.

What are the benefits of using an air gapped system?

The main benefits of using an air gapped system are improved security, increased privacy, enhanced reliability, cost savings, and improved compliance.

What measures should I take when implementing an air gapped system?

When implementing an air gapped system, you should gather requirements, design the infrastructure correctly, set up the system properly, test and monitor it regularly, and ensure accessibility and recovery. Doing so will help ensure that your data remains secure at all times.

Is an air gapped system the same as a virtual private network (VPN)?

No, an air gapped system is not the same as a VPN. A VPN is used to securely connect an external network to an air-gapped system, while an air gapped system is designed to isolate the system from all external connections.

Are air gap systems only used for storing data?

No, air gapped systems can also be used for processing data. By isolating the system from external networks, it can help protect your data from malicious actors and increase its security and privacy.