What does the term "air-gapped" refer to?

The term "air-gapped" refers to networks that are completely disconnected from external ones. This concept is critical in cybersecurity because an air-gapped network is designed to enhance security by preventing any form of external access or data transfer. This isolation makes it significantly more difficult for cyber threats, such as malware or hackers, to infiltrate the network since there is no direct connection to the internet or other networks.

While the idea of a single, isolated network might seem related, it is the complete disconnection from external networks that truly characterizes an air-gapped system. Furthermore, while air-gapped networks are indeed a measure of network security, the definition specifically emphasizes the lack of connectivity to external systems rather than focusing solely on security measures. Thus, the correct understanding of "air-gapped" is that it describes a network setup that is entirely separated from any external communication, ensuring a higher level of protection for sensitive information.