Cross-Domain Solutions: What They Are, How They Work, and Where You Use Them
In today’s interconnected world, organizations must securely bridge the gap between public networks and their most sensitive systems.
Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) represent the critical technologies and architectures that enable secure information exchange between networks operating at different levels of trust—from business and civilian networks to classified government systems.
This comprehensive guide cuts through the complexity to deliver practical insights on the full spectrum of cross-domain solutions. Whether you’re protecting government networks from cyber-espionage or safeguarding corporate assets from malware infiltration, understanding which CDS approach fits your specific network architecture is essential for maintaining both security and operational efficiency.
Get the guide to:
Discover the full spectrum of cross-domain solutions
Know which cross-domain solutions are most applicable to which kinds of networks
Learn which type of cross-domain system can best protect your organization’s most sensitive networks
About the author
Waterfall team
FAQs About this Guide to Cross Domain Solutions
What are cross-domain solutions?
Cross domain solutions (CDS) are advanced cybersecurity gateways that enable secure data exchange between networks with different classification levels. They’re commonly used in environments that require strict separation, like defense, intelligence, critical infrastructure, and regulated industries.
CDS platforms serve as trusted interfaces that:
Allow controlled, policy-enforced data transfers
Prevent unauthorized or accidental leakage of sensitive information
Support compliance with data separation and auditing requirements
How do cross-domain solutions differ from other security tools?
While traditional firewalls filter based on IP addresses and ports, and next-gen firewalls offer limited content inspection, cross domain solutions provide deep, content-level security:
Bit-level content inspection
File format validation and metadata cleansing
Detection of hidden or malicious content
Enforcement of complex security policies based on data type, content, and user roles
CDS solutions are purpose-built for secure, policy-driven data flow across highly segmented networks—something regular firewalls are not designed for.
Why should I get this guide?
This guide breaks down the complex world of cross domain solutions into actionable insights. It’s ideal for:
Government agencies managing classified and unclassified environments
Enterprises protecting IP or sensitive operational data
IT/OT teams integrating secure data flows between different zones
Learn how to evaluate different CDS technologies, avoid common mistakes, and choose a solution that fits both your security model and operational needs.