Air gapped systems are one of the most powerful and secure forms of IT security available. With no connection to the internet, and an array of additional measures taken to ensure utmost safety and protection, these systems are virtually uncheckable. By creating a physically isolated environment, any sensitive data stored within this system is safe from malicious actors or external influence. The unbeatable power of air gapped systems comes from its ability to provide an extra layer of protection against external risks without sacrificing user convenience. With air gapped systems in place, organizations can be sure that their data is safe from unauthorized access.
What is Air Gapped System?
An air gapped system is an isolated computer network that has no direct connection to any other computer networks or the Internet. This isolation creates a “gap” between the computers, preventing any malicious code from entering via external sources like internet downloads, USB sticks, etc. Air gapped systems are also sometimes referred to as “air walled” or “airtight” systems.
The 15 Benefits of Air Gapped Systems
Air gapped systems offer several key benefits that make them an ideal choice for organizations:
1. Security:
By completely isolating the system from external networks, malicious actors and external influence are eliminated as threats. This makes air gapped systems virtually uncheckable.
2. Improved Productivity:
By eliminating the need to connect to external networks, air gapped systems free up resources and reduce time wasted on preventing cyberattacks or data breaches.
3. Reduced Cost:
Air gapped systems require fewer hardware components than other security solutions, leading to reduced costs for organizations.
4. Enhanced Mobility:
Because air gapped systems are isolated from external networks, they can be taken anywhere without the need for an internet connection or additional hardware.
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5. Increased Reliability:
Air gapped systems are more reliable than other solutions because even if a power outage occurs, the system will still remain secure.
6. Lower Risk of Data Loss:
Because the system is isolated from external networks, it is less likely to suffer data loss due to outside interference or malicious actors.
7. Increased Flexibility:
Air gapped systems can be easily scaled up or down depending on an organization’s needs, giving them the flexibility they need to remain competitive.
8. Reduced Risk of Data Theft:
By keeping sensitive data offline, air gapped systems reduce the risk of theft or disclosure.
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9. Enhanced Compliance:
Due to their enhanced security features, air gapped systems often meet or exceed regulatory compliance requirements.
10. Increased Visibility:
By providing an overview of the system’s activity, air gapped systems can help organizations track and monitor their data more closely.
11. Improved User Experience:
Because they require less maintenance than other security solutions, provide users with a smoother experience.
12. Enhanced Privacy:
By isolating the system from external networks,it ensure that users’ data is not accessible to malicious actors or outsiders.
13. Faster Performance:
Since they are disconnected from external networks, air gapped systems can be designed to run at peak performance without any latency issues.
14. Improved Backup and Recovery:
By isolating the system from external networks, air gapped systems can be easily backed up and recovered in case of an emergency.
15. Reduced Compliance Risk:
Air gapped systems are designed to meet or exceed regulatory compliance requirements, reducing the risk of fines and other penalties.
8 Best Practices for Air Gapped Systems
In order to maximize the effectiveness of air gapped systems, it is important to follow best practices. Here are 8 key tips for securely managing an air gapped system:
1. Set Strong Security Policies:
Enforce strong security policies that outline who can access and use the air gapped system, as well as how and when it can be used.
2. Regularly Monitor System Access:
Monitor access to the system on a regular basis to make sure that only authorized users are accessing the system.
3. Implement Data Encryption:
Encrypt data stored on the system to ensure confidentiality and prevent unauthorized access.
4. Establish Strong User Authentication:
Require strong user authentication when accessing the system to protect against unauthorized access.
5. Perform Regular System Updates:
Ensure that all system software is kept up-to-date in order to maintain security and prevent attacks.
6. Monitor Network Traffic:
Set up systems to monitor and log all network traffic originating from the air gapped system.
7. Use Whitelisting:
Use whitelisting to prevent unauthorized software or applications from running on the system.
8. Develop a Response Plan:
Develop a response plan for what to do in case of an attack to minimize damage.
Air gapped systems are one of the most secure solutions available, and can provide organizations with the security they need to protect their sensitive data.
Conclusion
Air gapped systems offer enhanced security for organizations that need to keep their data safe and secure. By utilizing the best practices outlined above, organizations can ensure their air gapped system remains safe and provides them with the peace of mind they need. In addition, air gapped systems also provide users with increased flexibility, enhanced privacy, improved user experience, and faster performance.
FAQs
1. What is an air gapped system?
An air gapped system is a computer system that is completely isolated from other networks and the internet, making it extremely secure.
2. What are the benefits of using an air gapped system?
The benefits of using this include increased security, flexibility, compliance, visibility, improved user experience, enhanced privacy, faster performance and improved backups and recovery.
3. What are the best practices for using an air gapped system?
The best practices for using this include setting strong security policies, regularly monitoring system access, implementing data encryption, establishing strong user authentication, performing regular system updates, monitoring network traffic and developing a response plan.
4. Is an air gapped system right for my organization?
Depending on your organization’s needs, may or may not be right for you. If you need to protect sensitive data and keep it isolated from the internet, then an air gapped system is a good choice. If you do not require this level of security, then other solutions may be more cost-effective.
5. How do I get started with an air system?
To get started with an air gap-ped system, you will need to define your requirements and security policies, set up the system components, configure the network and systems, deploy the necessary applications and tools, test the system for functionality and security, and finally monitor the system for performance and security.
