Firewalls are software-based filters that attempt to block malicious traffic while allowing legitimate communication in both directions. This bidirectional nature creates inherent vulnerabilities:

• Can be exploited through zero-day vulnerabilities
• Vulnerable to misconfigurations and human error
• Require constant updates to defend against new threats
• Provide a return path that sophisticated attackers can exploit

Data diodes are hardware-enforced security that physically prevents any return communication path. Data can only flow in one direction - period. This means:

• No software to exploit or hack
• Immune to all cyber attacks, including unknown threats
• Cannot be misconfigured to create vulnerabilities
• Attackers have no physical path to breach your secure systems

For environments where security cannot be compromised, data diodes are the only solution that provides true air-gap protection.