Air-gapped Security

What is air-gapped security?

Air-gapped security is a long-standing cybersecurity approach where critical systems are isolated from unsecured networks, including the internet. Historically, this method has protected high-value assets like classified data and industrial control systems. But in today’s cloud-first, multi-identity world, the meaning of “air gap” is evolving — especially in the realm of identity and access management (IAM).

As organizations grapple with multi-cloud sprawl and aging on-prem systems, the ability to deliver IAM continuity, without compromising security or compliance, is more urgent than ever.

Why air-gapped security matters

In a digital landscape where most attacks start with compromised credentials, the IAM infrastructure is now a frontline defense. An outage or breach in your primary identity provider (IDP) can take down access to critical applications — and with it, business operations. This is where the concept of an “air-gapped IAM architecture” becomes essential.

Unlike traditional air-gapped systems that physically isolate networks, identity-layer air gaps are logical. They’re designed to eliminate dependencies between the identity orchestration control plane and customer-deployed orchestrators. That means even if a central identity system fails, authentication, authorization, and access can continue through alternative IDPs.

Common applications

Air gapping is a trusted method for protecting high-value systems and sensitive data from cyberattacks. Industries that require stringent security measures rely on this approach to mitigate risks and ensure operational stability. Air-gapped networks are widely used across various sectors:

• Critical infrastructure: Power grids, water treatment plants, and industrial control systems use air-gapped networks to prevent cyber threats from disrupting essential services.
• Military and government: National security and defense systems depend on air gapping to minimize the risk of espionage and sabotage.
• Financial institutions: Banks and financial firms utilize air-gapped systems to protect sensitive data and maintain the integrity of financial transactions.
• Research and development: Organizations working on proprietary technologies use air gapping to shield intellectual property from cyber threats.
• Identity and access management (IAM): Strata’s Maverics Identity Orchestration platform enables a hybrid air-gap architecture, offering secure and independent operation for highly sensitive environments.

Air-gapped networks provide a high level of security by preventing direct connections to external systems, reducing exposure to cyber threats.

How does air gapping work?

Air gapping relies on strict isolation, access control, and data transfer restrictions to maintain security. This strategy incorporates multiple layers of defense to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

Key components

• Physical isolation: The network is entirely separate, with no direct links such as Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi connections.
• Restricted access: Only authorized personnel can interact with the air-gapped environment, often requiring in-person authentication.
• Controlled data transfers: Moving data in or out is carefully managed using removable media, which must be scanned and verified for security risks.

Benefits of air-gapped networks

Air gapping is widely recognized as one of the most secure approaches to data protection. It offers a strong defense against external cyber threats while ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

Key advantages

• Enhanced security: Without network connections, cybercriminals have fewer opportunities to infiltrate the system.
• Protection from malware: Air-gapped networks prevent malware, including ransomware, from spreading across connected systems.
• Regulatory compliance: Many industries require air gapping to meet security standards, such as HIPAA and PCI DSS, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.

Challenges and limitations of air gapping

While air-gapped networks provide strong security, they also come with certain trade-offs. Organizations must carefully consider these challenges before implementing an air-gap strategy.

Potential drawbacks

• Operational complexity: Maintaining an air-gapped system requires additional hardware, software, and adherence to strict security protocols, leading to higher costs.
• Limited accessibility: The lack of network connectivity makes data sharing and collaboration more difficult, impacting workflow efficiency.
• Potential vulnerabilities: While air gapping reduces the risk of remote cyberattacks, it does not eliminate threats from social engineering, insider threats, or compromised removable media.

Despite its security advantages, air gapping introduces challenges such as maintenance complexity, limited access, and potential insider threats.

Air-gapped IAM meets Zero Trust and compliance needs

In a Zero Trust model, trust is never assumed — every access request must be verified. But that’s impossible if your IDP is offline. Air-gapped IAM ensures that verification continues even during outages, making Zero Trust achievable in real-world conditions.

It also supports cybersecurity compliance by maintaining audit trails, enforcing consistent policies, and enabling in-region IDP enforcement — critical for regulations like GDPR and HIPAA.

Air gapped security for the identity era

The term “air gap” may bring to mind data centers and classified systems—but today, it’s just as relevant at the identity layer, especially in a cloud-first world. By abstracting, decoupling, and orchestrating IAM across distributed systems, organizations can finally achieve continuous, secure access—no matter what happens upstream.

Whether modernizing legacy infrastructure or scaling to multi-cloud, consider an identity air gap not just a fallback, but a foundation.

Air-gapped networks provide powerful protection for critical systems, but true security depends on controlling who has access — and how. Identity Orchestration for Dummies explores how to manage identity in even the most secure environments, including hybrid air-gap architectures. Download the free book to learn more.