What is Air Gapping?

Air gapping is a cybersecurity technique where a computer or network is completely disconnected from the internet and any external networks. This physical separation creates a secure environment that’s highly resistant to cyberattacks.

How does air gapping work?

Imagine a castle surrounded by a moat, where no bridge exists for attackers to cross. That’s essentially what air gapping does for your data. By keeping critical systems offline, air gapped setups eliminate the pathways hackers typically use, like phishing emails, malware downloads, or remote exploits. Data transfer between an air-gapped system and others is only possible through physical means, such as USB drives, making unauthorized access far more difficult.

Why is air gapping important for cybersecurity?

Air gapping is a game-changer for industries relying on highly sensitive or critical data, such as government agencies, financial institutions, or utilities. These systems often handle classified information or infrastructure control, which would be catastrophic if exposed. Cybercriminals or nation-states targeting these systems often face insurmountable challenges if the systems are air-gapped, as connections to external threats simply do not exist.

However, while air gapping offers strong protection, it’s not foolproof. For example, attackers may plant malware into systems before they’re air-gapped (a “supply chain attack”) or exploit lax physical security.

Key applications of air gapping

Securing government and military operationsAir gapping helps safeguard classified information by keeping critical systems offline.
Protecting industrial systemsIndustries like energy or manufacturing use air-gapped networks to shield operational technology (OT) from hackers.
Data revocation and backupOrganizations store their most valuable backups in air-gapped systems to protect against ransomware attacks that might try encrypting or deleting cloud-stored data.

Summary

Air gapping is a powerful but simple concept in cybersecurity. By completely isolating critical systems from the internet, it creates a robust barrier against cyber threats. While no method is entirely foolproof, air gapping adds an extra layer of defense for organizations looking to secure their most sensitive information.

Top 4 FAQs About Air Gapping

Air gapping is ideal for systems holding sensitive data, such as government databases, critical infrastructure control systems, and offline backups in industries like finance or energy.

While rare, air-gapped systems can be compromised through physical breaches, insider threats, or pre-installed malware. However, such attacks require more sophistication and effort than conventional hacks.

Data transfer typically happens manually using physical tools like USB drives or external hard drives, ensuring no continuous digital connection to external networks.

For most organizations, air gapping is not necessary for all systems but is commonly used for high-value data like backups or proprietary information. It’s a strategic security measure, not a one-size-fits-all solution.