A flash drive used to deliver data to an isolated network segment could unintentionally become a vessel for confidential information to leave the company.
For about a decade, there has been a much more elegant and technologically advanced solution for one-way information transfer, the Data Diode.
What sets Data Diodes apart from other unidirectional data transfer methods is their physical incapability to transmit data both ways.
While Data Diodes have some limitations, they offer significant advantages over other options for setting up such connections in several key aspects.
Data diodes can serve as standalone network devices or part of a hardware and software system, offering specialized functionality for one-way data transfer.
Most data diodes are built with only one of two necessary fiber optic cables, and either the receiver or transmitter is omitted.
A hardware data diode is designed for the one-way transmission of streaming, unprocessed data, such as video camera signals that use specialized protocols like RTP or UDP. However, this becomes challenging with most common file transfer protocols like TCP, FTP, and HTTP, which require two-way communication to verify packet delivery and exchange other information.
Such a gateway not only facilitates data transfer but also adds layers of security, allowing for the monitoring and filtering of data and incorporating antivirus systems and other security tools.
A significant limitation of hardware data diodes and unidirectional gateways is their relatively low information transfer speed.
Software data diodes come with their own drawbacks.
Data diodes are commonly used to transfer data from less secure networks to more secure ones.
In secure networks, where sensitive data is stored, data diodes help prevent any data leakage.
A typical example is using data diodes to transfer parameters from DCS, PLC, and SCADA devices, such as logic controllers, sensors, and other monitoring tools.
There is a hybrid approach to using data diodes.
Data diodes are also valuable for bolstering Industrial Control System protection by strictly controlling traffic at sensitive points.
Even though firewall settings usually let these intermediary devices pass traffic to the industrial network, installing a data diode before the data server and the ICS segment ensures that while critical devices can send status information to the server, no return traffic enters the secure network.
To wrap up, let's review the main benefits and drawbacks of data diodes and unidirectional gateways.
The standout feature of most data diodes is their design, which physically prevents two-way information transmission.
Hardware data diodes are extremely reliable for maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information.
In essence, data diodes have established themselves as effective tools for providing tangible, robust security for sensitive data.
This Cyber News was published on feeds.dzone.com. Publication date: Mon, 18 Dec 2023 18:13:04 +0000