CompTIA SecurityX (CAS-005)Security EngineeringMedium
A large manufacturing company is integrating its operational technology (OT) network with its enterprise IT network to enable predictive maintenance and real-time analytics. The security architect is concerned about the potential for IT-based cyberattacks to propagate into the sensitive OT environment. Which specialized network component is BEST suited to provide a highly secure, unidirectional data flow from the OT network to the IT network, preventing any direct inbound communication to the OT side?
- AFirewall
- BDemilitarized Zone (DMZ)
- CIntrusion Prevention System (IPS)
- DData Diode
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Data Diode
A data diode (or unidirectional gateway) is specifically designed to enforce one-way data flow, physically preventing any data from traversing back into the protected network. This is ideal for OT/ICS environments where absolute separation and prevention of inbound IT traffic is critical.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A firewall can filter traffic but still allows bidirectional communication, which carries the risk of misconfiguration or exploitation allowing inbound traffic.
- B. A DMZ is a buffer network that allows limited, controlled bidirectional communication between internal and external networks, not strict unidirectional flow.
- C. An IPS detects and prevents intrusions but operates on bidirectional traffic and cannot physically enforce unidirectional flow.
Data Diode (Unidirectional Gateway)
A hardware device that ensures data can only flow in one direction, typically used to provide absolute physical separation and security between networks, such as IT and OT.
- Physically enforces one-way data flow.
- Prevents reverse data flow or cyberattacks.
- Commonly used in critical infrastructure (OT/ICS) and high-security environments.
Memory trick: Data Diode Delivers Dedicated Directional Data.