Are data diodes expensive?
Many people think data diodes are expensive, but they are actually a simple and effective way to protect critical systems and information. The cost of losing control during a cyberattack would be far greater. Data diodes are a smart investment that help keep your most sensitive assets secure over time.
Introduction to a data diode
A data diode is hardware device that is often called a “unidirectional security gateway”. It is placed between two networks with different levels of security and controls the flow of information. A data diode is a cybersecurity solution that makes sure that information can only travel in one direction. A high-assurance data diode protects critical assets for operators in organisations such as infrastructure, authorities,
defence, and industry.
Questions we cover in this article
Is a data diode the most cost-effective solution?
An alternative to using data diodes is to use an airgap. Air gap, air wall, air gapping, or isolated network is a network security measure used on one or more computers to ensure that a secure computer network is physically isolated from other networks, such as the public Internet or an insecure local area network. This means that a computer or network has no network interfaces connected to other networks. It is thus network-wise isolated from other systems connected to unsecured networks.
The only way to transfer data to and from an air gapped system is via portable media – sometimes called a “walknet”. Practically, this is done by people, which means you become dependent on well-trained staff who would probably rather be working on other more qualified and stimulating tasks. But even well-trained personnel with a high security awareness can unfortunately also make mistakes or take shortcuts, which despite all security measures exposes the systems to risks, e.g. that you get malware into your system.
In the long run, it can therefore be smoother and more cost-effective to use a data diode, as you both avoid these risks and that well-trained personnel have to spend time transferring data with portable media. Read more about how. Read more about how data diodes are an effective alternative to airgaps.
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Can you afford not to invest in a data diode?
Buying hardware usually costs more than for example software, but it has much higher assurance which means that you can be more confident that your assets are well protected. It is more accurate to think of a data diode as an investment rather than a cost as it is a very simple way to protect your most important and valuable assets against expensive cyberattacks.
An attack can be very costly, leading to financial losses due to:
Downtime affecting your operations
Lost revenue
Restoring and cleaning up systems
Lost trust/goodwill
An average cyberattack could cost around USD 3.86 million to USD 4.24 million. So, protecting yourself against this is more than important.
It is vital.
Many might think “We have our firewall, what else can we do?”. But, if you have information or systems that are crucial to your organisation, perhaps your whole operation depends on it, you may find it appropriate to mitigate your risks and invest in a high security solution. Many networks require extra protection against manipulation and data leakage as they contain classified or sensitive information. If these networks/systems are exposed to an attack, a firewall will probably not protect you from having to spend a lot to recover. Ask your management if they are prepared to pay what it takes to repair your systems after a cyberattack rather than invest in adequate security – because it is not a matter if you will be attacked, but when.
Why do some data diodes cost more than others?
There are different types of data diodes with different functions, which also means that the costs can vary. Advenica’s portfolio consists of data diodes of different types, ranging from small DIN mounted devices to 19” rack mounted devices. You can choose from having proxy computers integrated in the diode chassis or purchasing a simpler data diode device and deploying the proxy software in external proxy machines.
Something else that can affect the price is if the data diode is certified. Advenica’s data diodes have a unique certification, N3, in Sweden – Advenica are the only ones with this certification level in Sweden. N3 is a certification issued by the Swedish Armed Forces. Advenica’s data diodes DD1000A and DD1000i are approved by the Swedish Armed Forces at component assurance level N3, which e.g. handles data up to and including level KVALIFICERAT HEMLIGT/TOP SECRET according to the Swedish Armed Forces’ “Krav på säkerhetsfunktioner” (KSF). So, a potentially higher cost for a data diode with a high certification will also give you much higher security.
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Sectors we serve
FAQ
Who needs a data diode?
Organisations that handle sensitive information, such as those in defence, authorities, infrastructure, and industry.
What are the various types of data diodes?
Advenica offers a broad portfolio of data diodes including DD1000i, DD1000A, DD1G, DD500E, DDSFX-10G, Data Diode Engine and Data Diode Services.
How does a data diode work?
A data diode allows data to move in only one direction using optical fiber with a sender and receiver. This prevents two-way communication, stopping cyberattacks, data leakage, and manipulation. Because it is hardware-based, it cannot be compromised by malicious software, helping protect the network’s confidentiality and integrity.
How much does a data diode cost?
There are different types of data diodes with different functions, which also means that the costs can vary. Something that also can affect the price is if the data diode is certified.
Advenica’s data diodes have a unique certification, N3, in Sweden – Advenica are the only ones with this certification level in Sweden. N3 is a certification issued by the Swedish Armed Forces.
Advenica’s data diodes DD1000A and DD1000i are approved by the Swedish Armed Forces at component assurance level N3, which e.g. handles data up to and including level KVALIFICERAT HEMLIGT/TOP SECRET according to the Swedish Armed Forces’ “Krav på säkerhetsfunktioner” (KSF). So a higher cost for a data diode with a high certification will also give you much higher security.
Do you want to know more about our data diodes? Do not hesitate to contact us. We are at your service.
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