#Air gapped laptops software#

Windows XP is vulnerable to a variety of attacks, but youвЂ™re not as risk as long as you keep your Windows XP system off networks and use it offline. If you still want to use that old software, the most secure way to do so is to вЂњair gapвЂќ that Windows XP system.

#Air gapped laptops software#

For example, letвЂ™s say you have some old software (or a game) that runs best on Windows XP. You could air gap computers at home, too. This blocks all network-based threats, and the only downside is that their operators have to be physically present to control them. However, those computers donвЂ™t have to be exposed to the internet and network-theyвЂ™re вЂњair-gappedвЂќ for security. They need computers to operate their industrial systems. Not every computer or computing task needs a network connection.ДЇor example, picture critical infrastructure like power plants. When and Why People Air Gap Computers Suwin/ An attacker would have to вЂњcross the air gapвЂќ and physically sit down in front of the computer to compromise it, as thereвЂ™s no way to access it electronically over a network.

It isnвЂ™t connected to them and it canвЂ™t be attacked over the network. The term вЂњair gappingвЂќ refers to the idea that there is a gap of air between the computer and other networks.

You decide that youвЂ™ll just set up an offline computer in your office and not connect it to the internet or any network.Д¬ongratulations: YouвЂ™ve just re-invented the concept of air-gapping a computer, even if youвЂ™ve never heard of this term. An air-gapped computer system has no physical (or wireless) connection to unsecured systems and networks.ДЇor example, letвЂ™s say you want to work on sensitive financial and business documents without any risk of ransomware, keyloggers, and other malware.