Air Gap

An air gap is physical or logical isolation that prevents a system or network from having a direct connection to less trusted networks such as the public internet. The goal is to reduce remote attack paths. An air gap is a security control, not a guarantee that the isolated system cannot be compromised.

An air-gapped network reduces exposure by removing direct network connectivity to untrusted environments. That can limit internet-based scanning, remote exploitation, command-and-control traffic, and accidental data flows. Effective isolation also depends on controlling removable media, maintenance laptops, wireless interfaces, supply-chain changes, physical access, and any process used to move data across the boundary.

Yes. Air-gapped systems can still be compromised through infected removable media, malicious insiders, compromised updates, maintenance equipment, unauthorized wireless links, supply-chain attacks, or physical access. Election organizations therefore treat isolation as one layer in a broader security program that also includes configuration control, monitoring, access restrictions, testing, and documented transfer procedures.