Air-Gapped Environment

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Discussion

An Air-Gapped Environment operates without direct electronic communication with external systems or networks because an Air Gap separates the environment from them.

The environment relies on controlled transfer processes to receive software, dependencies, updates, configuration information, and other required inputs. The same processes govern the release of evidence, reports, logs, or other information from the environment.

An Air-Gapped Environment may contain interconnected internal systems and networks. The term describes the separation between the environment and external systems rather than isolation among every component within the environment.

An Air-Gapped Environment is a specialized form of Disconnected Environment in which the disconnection results from an intentionally maintained Air Gap.

Definition

disconnected environment separated from external systems or networks by an air gap

Source

Generalised from cybersecurity, network-isolation, defense, critical-infrastructure, and disconnected-operations usage and specialized for the Crucible architecture and operational model.

Note

An Air-Gapped Environment does not require every internal component to operate independently. Internal systems may communicate through approved networks and services within the defined environment.

The environment remains air-gapped when approved transfer processes preserve the controlled separation from external networks.

Example

A software factory inside a defense enclave receives operating-system packages, machine images, infrastructure providers, and compliance evidence through an approved transfer bundle rather than through direct Internet access.

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