Ever wondered what the difference is between a data diode and a firewall? While both of these tools are integral to keeping OT networks secure and fending off cyberattacks, they each have unique strengths and work best when deployed to take advantage of those strengths. Firewalls are common network security devices that use software and logic to sort good traffic from bad. Data diodes use physics (usually optical isolation) to keep cyber-intruders out and are becoming an increasingly popular and affordable option for securing OT networks.
What is a data diode?
A data diode is a network security device that enables a hardware-enforced one-way data flow, typically from a trusted or secure network to an untrusted or less secure network. Data diodes use physical (usually optical) isolation to ensure that data can be sent out of a protected network, but no traffic can get back in. Data diodes range in speed and capabilities. Some data diodes provide simple passive network monitoring while others support common industry protocols allowing active data extraction. To learn more about how data diodes work check out our informational page on data diodes.
What is a firewall?
A firewall is a network security device that monitors and controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic based on a set of predetermined security rules. Firewalls act as a barrier between a trusted or secure network to an untrusted or less secure network (like the internet), preventing unauthorized access and protecting against cyberattacks. A firewall can be implemented as hardware or software. Most of the time, a combination of both. Firewalls rely on logic or rules to sort good traffic from bad.
What’s the difference between a data diode and a firewall?
While both firewalls and data diodes are network security devices, they have different functionalities and are designed to address different security concerns depending on the use case.
Differences in Functionality
-
Data diodes are designed to enable secure one-way data flow, whereas firewalls are designed to monitor and control bi-directional traffic, inbound and outbound.
-
Data diodes provide an unhackable physical barrier to protect critical equipment and prevent unauthorized access, whereas firewalls rely on rules and policies to filter and block traffic.
-
Data diodes are typically used in environments where the security of sensitive equipment and data is critical and cannot be compromised, such as critical infrastructure, military, or financial organizations. Firewalls can be found on individual personal computers, between networks of differing security levels, and between internal networks and the internet.
Use Cases
Because data diodes physically block all inbound traffic they can be used as a standalone security measure in environments where the security of critical equipment is paramount and where the risk of unauthorized access is high. Ideal data diode use cases include: equipment monitoring, secure data transfer and backup, and cross-domain security. For examples of diode deployments in different industries including manufacturing, oil and gas, and utilities, check out our industries page. If bi-direction traffic is required, firewalls are better suited to that use case. Firewalls are often used in conjunction with other technologies, such as remote access and remote control, and can be deployed with intrusion detection/prevention systems and antivirus software, to provide layered protection against cyber threats.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of data diodes and firewalls?
While both firewalls and data diodes are valuable tools to keeping a network secure and protected, each has their own advantages and disadvantages based on the use case and context.
Advantages of data diodes
-
Highly secure and reliable one-way data transfer.
-
Provides network segmentation for critical data.
-
Protected equipment immune to external cyber-attacks from outside the diode.
-
Not dependent on software, so they don’t require regular patches or updates.
Disadvantages of data diodes
-
Cannot be used for bidirectional data transfer.
-
Unable to be remotely managed or configured.
-
Completely block any traffic directed to a protected network, regardless of its content or origin.
Advantages of firewalls
-
Customizable security policies allow you to monitor and control network traffic.
-
Provides bidirectional traffic filtering and protection against various cyber threats.
-
Wide availability of COTS solutions at different price points.
Disadvantages of firewalls
-
Vulnerable to cyberattacks and bypassing security policies.
-
Can be complex to configure and manage, leading to misconfigurations or false positives/negatives.
-
Need regular patches to stay ahead of new threats which often require ongoing subscriptions.
Fend’s Series of Data Diodes
Excited to get started with data diodes? Fend offers cost-effective data diode solutions for your use case! Buy now or contact us and get a quote for the perfect data diode solution for you.