Cross Domain Enterprise Services provide secure links across disparate networks or security domains, enabling users to access information from multiple domains from one workstation without jeopardizing classified information.
Companies operating in highly sensitive environments requiring this assurance need a CDS designed and constructed in accordance with NCSC High Assurance Principles. To do so successfully.
Security
Information security is of utmost importance for any organization, especially when sharing sensitive data between networks with different levels of protection. Security breaches of any magnitude can have disastrous repercussions, making it essential that all data transfers between domains remain secure and prevent unauthorized access – this is where cross domain solutions come in. Cross domain solutions (CDSs) are hardware devices specifically designed to securely cross network boundaries, enabling the transfer of data between domains with differing security levels. CDSs are commonly divided into two categories – access and transfer CDSs; with access CDSs allowing users to access information without crossing security boundaries, while transfer CDSs allow data to be sent across domains with high levels of assurance.
When it comes to the security of a cross domain solution, five essential factors must be considered. First and foremost is to make sure the system can block unexpected data, protocols and ports while still permitting authorized traffic through. Second is having a redundant architecture and design so a single device or component failure won’t impact security controls; thirdly having secure configuration settings which prevent threats from lurking behind legitimate content; finally creating strict separation of functions so all interactions between system components are monitored closely.
Cross domain solutions must also be accredited by the NCDSMO (National Cross Domain Strategy Management Office). Working under the authority of NSA, NCDSMO oversees accreditation for cross domain solutions used to protect classified government systems. In order to be accepted as accredited solutions must pass an intensive lab-based security evaluation.
Due to these stringent security requirements, NCDSMO has established a continuous improvement framework called Raise the Bar. This initiative includes an ever-evolving set of rigorous standards which all CDS developers must strive to meet in order for their product to be considered for use by US government agencies.
Interoperability
Cross domain solutions allow secure communication and data transfers across physically, logically and administratively segregated networks (known as security domains ) by employing filters, software and hardware components that ensure information being transferred is protected against attacks such as viruses. Furthermore, these solutions come equipped with defense-in-depth features which prevent information being compromised even if one component fails.
These systems are not only designed to protect data during transfer; they’re also tailored to protect against threats that might exist either on the source network or en route. Utilizing firewalls, antivirus software and other filters – combined with content filters – these systems can detect threats before they reach their target network – whether a large corporation or small startup. They’re scalable systems capable of meeting any organization’s requirements whether big or small.
These systems can also work with any operating system and protocol, boasting an easily reconfigurable modular design which makes reconfiguring for different applications or security policies simple. Furthermore, they have the capacity to meet the demands of multiple users- including remote workers and mobile devices- while still fulfilling any security policy required for application usage.
Installation of cross domain solutions may take several months depending on the size and complexity of the solution being implemented. Prior to deployment, all relevant personnel should receive training on using it safely on live networks as well as submit any required paperwork in order to gain approval of hooking it up to one.
Traditionally, file transfers between networks with differing security levels have been challenging. To overcome this challenge, cross-domain interoperability solutions were developed which allow secure information transfer. These solutions are used by government organizations like U.S. military to maintain network integrity and information confidentiality as well as commercial infrastructure providers as international defense applications; additionally they can even be easily integrated into existing systems to create a seamless transition to cloud solutions.
Scalability
Cross Domain Solutions are essential tools in protecting data and systems against malicious activities. They perform crucial functions, like making sure information passes through various security levels without being compromised, yet there are a few factors you need to keep in mind when choosing one for your organization.
Before selecting a CDS system, the primary consideration must be its scalability. Your system must support the number of users necessary and manage load effectively; furthermore, it must meet both application complexity requirements as well as industry security regulations.
At present, scaling of CDSs is limited by available hardware. As demand for its capabilities grows, so too does its need for extra hardware – leading to high costs that erode profitability of a CDS.
Scalability requires an innovative solution. A CDS that is modular and allows for the quick deployment of new capabilities can help achieve this by applying DevSecOps techniques with their continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) workflow, which reduces deployment times while increasing overall effectiveness of solutions.
Scaling CDSs using a secure cloud architecture is another effective method to do so, as this approach will leverage its performance and scalability while meeting DOD security requirements – saving both time and money in the process.
Current technology solutions cannot meet the growing needs of CDS, due to being incompatible with Raise the Bar requirements that mandate more data be transferred than before. A new approach must be found that can manage diversity of information, network scalability and speed when sharing information between organizations.
Compliance
Virtually every government agency needs to transfer data between domains with different security levels, potentially quickly. Hacker intrusion must remain out of bounds; this is particularly essential in military environments where even minor breaches of data could have life-threatening repercussions. A cross domain solution (CDS) acts as a bridge between domains while safeguarding sensitive information while upholding compliance with security standards.
To accomplish this task, a CDS is created to sanitize and secure data in transit, both encrypting and authenticating it as well as inspecting transferred files to ensure only desired information is sent out while malicious or unwanted files don’t accidentally escape its filtering system. These CDSs may exist either physically on-premises or can operate over the cloud.
A CDS can be installed in either high- or low-side networks and may operate bidirectionally or unidirectionally. It may operate standalone or connect to other CDSs for further processing; additionally, it may integrate with existing firewalls or function as a gateway between networks.
As federal agencies strengthen their cybersecurity policies, zero-trust architectures and cross domain solutions have become increasingly popular due to the many benefits they provide, including cost savings and providing more secure environments. The Department of Defense (DOD) is leading this movement, and other agencies are beginning to follow in its footsteps.
Future projections indicate a much stronger push towards cross domain solutions within the federal government as cybersecurity policies evolve and more departments implement them. DOD and other departments implementing new cybersecurity policies will need more flexibility when moving data between domains; cross domain solutions provide this necessary flexibility while improving overall system efficiency.
The NCDSMO oversees the creation of cross domain solutions, and has established a rigorous Raise the Bar testing program to evaluate vendors. This process ensures that only cutting edge technology is used to protect sensitive information.