Home Learn Air Gap What Is an Air Gap, and Why Is It Important? How to utilize a separation to protect your data and enhance your cybersecurity. Request demo Air Gap Overview Definition Immutable Backups Advantages & Disadvantages Implementation Related Terms Resources Overview Cybersecurity is a top priority for virtually every organization One concept that often comes up in discussions about robust security measures is the “air gap.” But what exactly is an air gap, and why is it so crucial for protecting sensitive data? This article will delve into the concept of an air gap, its importance, and how it can be effectively implemented to enhance cybersecurity. definition What Is an Air Gap? An air gap refers to the physical or logical separation of a computer or network from unsecured networks, such as the internet. This separation prevents a direct or indirect connection that could be exploited by cyber threats. Air gaps are commonly used in environments where security is paramount, such as military systems, critical infrastructure, and financial institutions.How Air Gaps Work: Air gap data protection is a critical strategy in safeguarding your organization’s data from cyber threats, particularly ransomware. By physically isolating backup data from the network, an air gap keeps your backup data untouched and secure even if your primary systems are compromised. The most straightforward implementation of an air gap involves physically isolating a computer or network from any external connections. This isolation creates a “gap” that cyber attackers cannot bridge, providing an additional layer of security that is crucial in today’s threat landscape. This means no internet access, no network cables, and no wireless connections. In air-gapped environments, data is typically backed up and stored using offline methods, such as removable media (e.g., USB drives, external hard drives) or offline storage systems. This keeps backup data secure even if the primary system is compromised. Immutable Backups Air Gap vs. Immutable Backups Immutable backups are backups that cannot be altered or deleted once they are created. They provide a reliable way to recover data in case of corruption or ransomware attacks. While both air gaps and immutable backups are designed to protect data, they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics. Key Differences: • Security: Air gaps provide a higher level of security by completely isolating systems from potential online threats. Immutable backups, while secure, are still connected to the network and could be targeted by sophisticated attacks. • Accessibility: Immutable backups are more accessible for regular use and recovery, whereas air-gapped systems require manual processes to access and update data. • Use cases: Air gaps are ideal for highly sensitive environments where maximum security is needed. Immutable backups are suitable for organizations looking for a balance between security and accessibility. Advantages & Disadvantages While air gaps offer significant security benefits, they also come with some drawbacks to consider Benefits of Air Gaps: • Enhanced security: By isolating systems from the internet, air gaps protect against online threats, including malware and ransomware. • Data integrity: Air gaps help maintain the integrity of data by preventing unauthorized access and tampering, so your critical data can be restored quickly in the event of an attack. This reduces downtime and minimizes the impact on business operations. • Flexible options: Air gap solutions are highly scalable and can be integrated seamlessly with existing data protection strategies, providing a robust and flexible approach to data security. • Compliance and regulations: Many regulatory frameworks require stringent data protection measures, and air gaps can help organizations meet these requirements. Disadvantages of Air Gaps:• Data accessibility: One of the primary challenges of air-gapped systems is the difficulty in accessing and updating data. Since these systems are isolated from networks, transferring data in and out requires manual processes, such as using removable media. This can lead to delays and inefficiencies, especially when large volumes of data need to be moved. • Data recovery: In the event of a system failure or data loss, recovering data from air-gapped systems can be time-consuming. The manual nature of data transfer and the need for physical access to storage media can slow down recovery efforts, impacting business continuity. • Human error: Despite the enhanced security provided by air gaps, human error remains a significant risk. Mistakes in handling removable media, improper data transfer procedures, or failure to maintain the air gap can introduce vulnerabilities. Training and strict protocols are essential to minimize these risks. • Insider Threats: Air-gapped systems are not immune to insider threats. Employees with access to these systems can intentionally or unintentionally compromise security. Establishing robust access controls, monitoring, and employee training is crucial to mitigate this risk. Implementation Implementing Air Gaps Integrating air-gapped systems with existing IT infrastructure can pose compatibility challenges. Building a system where data can be seamlessly transferred between air-gapped and networked systems without compromising security requires careful planning and implementation. To design an effective air-gapped environment, organizations must carefully plan the design of air-gapped systems to meet the specific security needs of the organization. Air gaps should be part of a layered security approach, as they do not address all potential vulnerabilities. Implementing air gaps may require changes to existing workflows and processes. Organizations need to manage these changes to minimize disruptions and enable employees to adapt to new procedures without impacting productivity. Cost and Resource Allocation Setting up and maintaining air-gapped systems can be expensive. The costs associated with purchasing and managing offline storage media, dedicated hardware, and the necessary infrastructure can be significant. Additionally, the manual processes involved in data transfer and system maintenance require dedicated personnel and resources. Organizations need to allocate sufficient resources to manage air-gapped environments effectively. This includes investing in training for employees, hiring specialized staff, and dedicating time and effort to maintain the systems, including keeping up to date with the latest security patches and software updates. Since these systems are isolated, updates must be manually applied, which can be labor-intensive and prone to delays. Evolving Threat Landscape The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, with new threats emerging regularly. Organizations must continuously adapt their air-gapped systems to address these evolving threats. This requires staying informed about the latest security trends and implementing proactive measures to protect against potential vulnerabilities. Maintaining the integrity of air-gapped systems requires regular testing and monitoring. Employees must be trained on the importance of maintaining air gaps and recognizing potential threats. Organizations must keep the system secure and make sure it is not inadvertently breached. This involves periodic audits, vulnerability assessments, and continuous monitoring for any signs of compromise. Conclusion Air gaps play a crucial role in enhancing cybersecurity by providing a robust defense against online threats. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, the relevance of air gaps remains significant. Organizations should assess their current data protection strategies and consider implementing air gaps where applicable to create the highest level of security for their sensitive data. Related Terms What is Ransomware Protection? Ransomware protection is the process of preventing the occurrence of a ransomware event, and/or mitigating the risk of a successful attack. Learn more What is an Immutable Backup? An immutable backup is a file that cannot be altered in any way, designed so the data remains unchanged by either bad actors or administrators. Learn more What is a Backup and Recovery Plan? Backup and recovery plans help businesses protect and maintain services, applications, and operations after a cyberattack or other event in which critical data is compromised. Learn more related resources Explore related resources View all resources Solution Brief The Power of Air Gap Enhance your cyber resilience and security with isolated, immutable storage. Read more Solution Brief Commvault Cloud Air Gap Protect Engage better business protection against ransomware. Read more video Air Gap Protect Demo See how to mitigate ransomware risk, keep data compliant, and quickly recover with integrated cloud storage. Watch now