Ransburg’s IntelliFlow family of products brings advanced automation and ease of use to drive efficiency, uptime, and optimization in your process. Large, full-color touchscreens with automated processes significantly reduce training time and ensure operator mistakes are avoided. Cloud-based connectivity allows the equipment to be monitored and troubleshooted in real-time from anywhere in the world. And flexible, high-performance fluid components deliver superior ratio and flow accuracy while maximizing coating and solvent waste savings.

The Equation Group: The Equation Group, a highly sophisticated cyber espionage group attributed to the United States, reportedly targeted air-gapped networks using a variety of techniques. One of their methods involved using malware known as “EquationDrug” to bridge the air gap. It would infect systems connected to the air-gapped network and act as a covert channel for transmitting data to the attackers.

Air-gapped networks are internal networks completely isolated from the cloud or other external networks. In most cases, this is due to physical security concerns or a strong need for data confidentiality. Some common examples of air-gapped networks include various national security actors such as defense, governments, and military bodies, as well as critical infrastructure entities that provide energy, water utilities, and other enabling services.

Balancing security needs, operational requirements, and usability considerations is crucial in determining the most appropriate cybersecurity measures for the organization. In some cases, a hybrid approach combining air-gapped networks with other security measures may be considered to address specific challenges and strike a balance between security and functionality.

The principle of unidirectional data flow is a critical component of air-gapped networks. As a result, data can only flow in one direction, typically from a trusted network to the air-gapped system. By doing so, data exfiltration or unauthorized communication from the isolated network is prevented. Techniques such as data diodes, which allow data to flow in one direction only, are commonly employed to enforce unidirectional data transfer.

ShadowBrokers: The ShadowBrokers hacking group gained notoriety in 2016 when they leaked a significant amount of classified hacking tools allegedly belonging to the National Security Agency (NSA). Among the leaked tools were exploits designed to breach air-gapped networks. These tools targeted vulnerabilities in various operating systems and network protocols, demonstrating the potential for breaching supposedly secure environments.

Vault 7: In 2017, WikiLeaks released a series of documents known as “Vault 7” that exposed the hacking capabilities of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The leaked documents revealed that the CIA possessed tools and techniques capable of bypassing air-gapped networks. One such tool, called “Brutal Kangaroo,” allowed the CIA to infect air-gapped networks by leveraging removable media such as USB drives to propagate malware.

Air-gapped networks are based on the principle of physical isolation. In order to minimize the risk of unauthorized access, critical systems should be physically separated from external networks. A number of methods can be used to achieve this isolation, including physical separation, secure facilities, and limiting physical access to the systems.

Stuxnet: One of the most famous instances of an air-gapped network breach is the Stuxnet worm. Discovered in 2010, Stuxnet targeted Iranian nuclear facilities. It was designed to exploit vulnerabilities in air-gapped networks by spreading through infected USB drives. Once inside the air-gapped network, Stuxnet disrupted the operation of centrifuges used in Iran’s uranium enrichment process.

The IntelliFlow RF2 is available in two models; manual mode for hand spray applications or automatic for robot or hand spray applications. The unit is designed to maximize process savings for almost any applicator system, including static, reciprocator, flatline, and robot applications. Seamless integration capabilities allow the RF2 to be installed in almost any new or existing process and immediately begin delivering cost savings. With up to 30 colors, 6 catalysts, 3K, and multi-circuit capabilities, the RF2 can be tailored to your specific needs, and then grow alongside your business using its modular architecture.

While air-gapped networks offer robust security advantages, they also come with some downsides and challenges, so it is important for organizations to carefully evaluate the benefits and downsides of air-gapped networks in their specific context.

The concept of air-gapping dates back to the earliest days of computing, when systems were standalone and not interconnected. In recent years, however, it has gained prominence as a security measure due to the rise of cyber threats and the realization that no online security system can provide total protection. As a result of the need to protect sensitive information and critical infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated attacks, air-gapped computers and networks have been widely adopted.

While air-gapped networks are designed to provide a high level of security and make it extremely challenging for external threats to breach the network, it is important to recognize that no security measure is entirely bulletproof. While the physical isolation and restricted connectivity of air-gapped networks significantly reduce the risk of cyber attacks, there are still potential ways in which they can be breached:

Ransburg’s IntelliFlow family of products brings advanced automation and ease of use to drive efficiency, uptime, and optimization in your process. Large, full-color touchscreens with automated processes significantly reduce training time and ensure operator mistakes are avoided. Cloud-based connectivity allows the equipment to be monitored and troubleshooted in real-time from anywhere in the world. And flexible, high-performance fluid components deliver superior ratio and flow accuracy while maximizing coating and solvent waste savings.

An air-gap is a complete separation between a network or computer and any external connections, including the public internet. As a result of this isolation, assets are protected from malicious cyber activities. Air-gapped networks originated from the realization that no matter how robust an online security system might be, there will always be security gaps that can be exploited. By physically isolating critical systems, air-gapping provides an additional layer of defense against potential attacks.

Air-gapped networks are typically utilized by various organizations and industries that prioritize the security and protection of their sensitive information. Here are some examples of entities that commonly use air-gapped networks:

Air-gapped networks impose strict security controls on network connectivity to minimize the number of potential attack vectors. These controls limit the number of entry points and restrict network access to only authorized individuals or systems. By reducing the amount of connectivity, the attack surface is significantly reduced, making it harder for malicious actors to compromise the network..

A network that is air-gapped represents the pinnacle of cybersecurity security. In order to protect themselves against cyber threats, these networks are physically isolated from external connections. The concept of an air-gapped network involves keeping sensitive systems or data completely disconnected from the internet or any other network, ensuring an unparalleled level of protection.

Hacking Team: In 2015, the Italian surveillance software company Hacking Team experienced a breach that exposed a significant amount of sensitive data, including information about their clients and their tools. It was discovered that the Hacking Team used an air-gapped network to protect their source code and sensitive information. However, the breach was reportedly achieved through social engineering and the compromise of authorized personnel, allowing attackers to gain access to the air-gapped network.

Protecting air-gapped networks requires a multi-layered approach that combines physical, technical, and operational security measures. It requires ongoing vigilance, regular updates, and a proactive approach to security, so it is crucial to stay informed about emerging threats, keep abreast of security best practices, and adapt security measures as needed to ensure the continued protection of the network.

NotPetya: In 2017, the NotPetya ransomware attack caused widespread havoc, primarily targeting Ukrainian organizations. NotPetya infected systems by exploiting a vulnerability in a popular accounting software. Once inside a network, it spread rapidly, even to air-gapped systems, by abusing the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) functionality and stealing administrative credentials. NotPetya’s ability to propagate within air-gapped networks demonstrated the potential for lateral movement and infection beyond traditional network boundaries.

While air-gapped networks are generally considered highly secure, there have been a few notable instances where such networks were breached or compromised. Here are a few real-world examples:

The IntelliFlow RF2 is available in two models; manual mode for hand spray applications or automatic for robot or hand spray applications. The unit is designed to maximize process savings for almost any applicator system, including static, reciprocator, flatline, and robot applications. Seamless integration capabilities allow the RF2 to be installed in almost any new or existing process and immediately begin delivering cost savings. With up to 30 colors, 6 catalysts, 3K, and multi-circuit capabilities, the RF2 can be tailored to your specific needs, and then grow alongside your business using its modular architecture.

Many industries utilize air-gapped networks to secure their data and resources. Including sectors such as government, defense, finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, safeguarding classified data, intellectual property, and sensitive operations. Providing an additional layer of protection to highly valuable assets could have serious consequences if they were compromised.

The importance of air-gapped networks in cybersecurity cannot be overstated. They serve as a last line of defense against sophisticated attacks, preventing unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and remote exploitation of critical assets. By eliminating connectivity, air-gapped networks reduce the attack surface, making it extremely difficult for malicious actors to penetrate the system.

These breaches underscore the evolving capabilities and techniques of cyber attackers. They highlight the importance of continuous monitoring, threat intelligence, and adopting robust security measures, even within air-gapped environments. Organizations must remain vigilant and regularly update their security protocols to mitigate the risks associated with breaches of air-gapped networks.