What are the different types of cross-domain solutions?

Because different environments have different security requirements, the security measures needed to protect sensitive information must vary. To this end, there are different kinds of cross-domain solutions that can be used to fit the circumstances. 

In this blog, you'll learn more about the different types of cross-domain solutions, how they differ, and where Trenton Systems comes into play. 

What are the different types of cross domain solutions? 

There are four different types of cross-domain solutions (CDS): hardware-based, software-based, hybrid, and cloud-based solutions. 

Let's take a look at each: 

Hardware-based cross-domain solutions

Hardware-based cross-domain solutions are a type of security solution that uses physical hardware devices to transfer data between different security domains.

These devices are called guards, and they allow information to be transferred between networks with different security classifications, without compromising the security of either network.

The guards act as intermediaries between the networks, and they enforce security policies to ensure that data is only transferred in a secure and controlled manner.

Hardware-based cross-domain solutions are typically used in high-security environments where the protection of sensitive data is critical, such as in military or government organizations. They are considered to be very secure, as they are typically designed to be tamper-proof and resistant to attacks.

However, they can be expensive to implement and maintain, and they may require specialized expertise to operate.

Software-based cross-domain solutions

Software-based cross-domain solutions are a type of security solution that uses software to transfer data between different security domains.

These solutions use security protocols and algorithms to ensure that data is transferred securely and to enforce security policies.

Software-based cross-domain solutions are typically more flexible and cost-effective than hardware-based solutions, as they can be deployed on existing infrastructure and do not require specialized hardware devices.

However, they may be less secure than hardware-based solutions, as they are susceptible to software-based attacks and may be vulnerable to configuration errors or other software-related issues.

Hybrid cross-domain solutions

Hybrid cross-domain solutions combine both hardware-based and software-based solutions to provide a more flexible and secure solution.

These solutions typically use hardware devices to enforce security policies and ensure that data is transferred securely, while also using software-based protocols to provide additional security and flexibility.

Hybrid cross-domain solutions are typically more flexible than hardware-based solutions and more secure than software-based solutions. They can also be more cost-effective than hardware-based solutions, as they can be deployed on existing infrastructure.

However, they may require specialized expertise to operate, and they may be more complex to configure and maintain than software-based solutions.

Cloud-based cross-domain solutions

Cloud-based cross-domain solutions are a type of security solution that uses cloud computing technologies to transfer data between different security domains.

These solutions use virtualized environments to provide secure communication channels between different networks and to enforce security policies.

Cloud-based cross-domain solutions are typically more flexible and cost-effective than hardware-based solutions, as they can be deployed on existing cloud infrastructure and can be easily scaled up or down as needed. They can also be more secure than software-based solutions, as they use virtualization technologies to isolate different networks and prevent unauthorized access.

However, they may be vulnerable to cloud-based attacks and may require specialized expertise to configure and maintain.

There are four different types of cross-domain solutions (CDS): hardware-based, software-based, hybrid, and cloud-based solutions. 

Access cross-domain solutions and transfer cross-domain solutions

Each of these four kinds of cross-domain solutions can be either an access cross-domain solution or a transfer cross-domain solution. 

Let's take a closer look at both:

Access Cross-Domain Solutions

Access cross-domain solutions are a type of security solution that provides controlled access to resources across different security domains.

These solutions are typically used in environments where users need to access resources on different networks with different security classifications.

Access cross-domain solutions typically use security protocols and access controls to ensure that users can only access resources that they are authorized to access. These solutions may also use data filtering and sanitization techniques to prevent the transfer of sensitive data between networks.

Access cross-domain solutions can be implemented using hardware-based, software-based, hybrid, or cloud-based solutions, depending on the specific requirements of the environment.

These solutions are typically used in military, government, and intelligence organizations, but may also be used in other high-security environments.

Transfer Cross-Domain Solutions

Transfer cross-domain solutions are a type of security solution that provides controlled transfer of data between different security domains.

These solutions are typically used in environments where data needs to be transferred between networks with different security classifications, such as in military or government organizations.

Transfer cross-domain solutions typically use security protocols and data filtering techniques to ensure that data is transferred securely and in a controlled manner. These solutions may also use data sanitization techniques to ensure that sensitive information is not transferred between networks.

Transfer cross-domain solutions can be implemented using hardware-based, software-based, hybrid, or cloud-based solutions, depending on the specific requirements of the environment.

These solutions are typically used in conjunction with access cross-domain solutions to provide a complete security solution for transferring data between networks with different security classifications.

How do data diodes play a part in cross-domain solutions?

Data diodes are a type of hardware-based cross-domain solution that is used to protect networks from unauthorized data transfer.

Data diodes allow data to flow in one direction only, preventing any unauthorized transfer of data from the receiving network to the transmitting network. This makes data diodes a popular solution for high-security environments where data must be transferred between networks with different security classifications.

To provide data confidentiality and integrity, data diodes can be used in conjunction with encryption technologies. For example, sensitive data can be encrypted before it is transmitted through the data diode, and the receiving device can decrypt the data on the other side of the diode.

This ensures that even if an attacker gains access to the data as it passes through the diode, they will not be able to read or modify it without the decryption key.

Data diodes can also be used in both access and transfer cross-domain solutions. 

In access cross-domain solutions, data diodes can be used to provide a secure connection between two networks, allowing users to access resources on the target network without compromising the security of the source network.

In transfer cross-domain solutions, data diodes can be used to provide a one-way transfer of data between two networks, ensuring that data can only flow in one direction.

To learn more about how data diodes work and how they integrate with high-performance computers (HPCs), click here. 

Where does Trenton Systems come into play?

At Trenton Systems, we are currently working on a hardware platform that allows cross-domain solution providers to build access and transfer cross domain solutions, coupled with advanced throughput built on Intel® technology that protects critical data at-rest/in-transit/in-use, workloads, and networks. 

This solution uses an FPGA as a hardware firewall that controls and isolates communication between different portions of memory and/or virtual machines, guarding data of different sensitivity levels; it can also support data diodes to ensure data traveling from a highly secure area to a less secure area resists hacker intrusion.

Our in-house engineers are able to integrate this hardware with software from solutions providers to deliver secure and reliable end-to-end solutions for mission-critical applications at the edge. 

At Trenton Systems, we are currently working on a hardware-based access and transfer cross-domain solution with advanced throughput built on Intel® technology that protects critical data at-rest/in-transit/in-use, workloads, and networks. 

Closing thoughts

Cross-domain solutions are essential security measures that are used to protect sensitive information in high-security environments. These solutions come in various forms, including hardware-based, software-based, hybrid, and cloud-based solutions.

Each type of cross-domain solution has its own benefits and drawbacks. It is important to carefully evaluate the specific security requirements of an environment and select the appropriate type of cross-domain solution to ensure the highest level of security possible.

Access cross-domain solutions provide controlled access to resources across different security domains, while transfer cross-domain solutions provide controlled transfer of data between different security domains. Both types of solutions can be implemented using hardware-based, software-based, hybrid, or cloud-based solutions.

Data diodes are an important component of many cross-domain solutions, providing a secure and reliable way to transfer data between networks with different security classifications. They allow data to flow in one direction only, preventing any unauthorized transfer of data from the receiving network to the transmitting network.

Trenton Systems works with customers to provide next-gen hardware-based cybersecurity solutions to guard data of different sensitivity levels traveling into, within, and between computing and network infrastructures in the face of an ever-evolving threat landscape. 

Interested in learning more about our CDS capabilities? Reach out to us anytime here. 

We are at your service, no matter where the mission leads. 🇺🇸