How is a critical system protected when placed on a subnet between two firewalls?

Creating a screened subnet is an effective way to protect a critical system when it is placed between two firewalls. This method involves using an additional layer of security—often referred to as a demilitarized zone (DMZ)—that separates the critical system from both the public network and the internal network. In this architecture, the first firewall controls inbound traffic from the outside world to the subnet, while the second firewall manages outbound traffic to the internal network. This arrangement helps to mitigate risks by allowing the critical system to interact with both external and internal networks while serving as a buffer zone where threats can be filtered and monitored.

The design of a screened subnet is meant to allow legitimate traffic to reach the critical system while blocking unauthorized access. It also enables detailed logging and monitoring of traffic to and from the critical system, making it easier to detect and respond to potential threats. This layered security approach is essential for protecting sensitive data and critical infrastructure within a network.

While other options also describe methods of securing systems, they do not integrate the same layered defense concept as a screened subnet. A jump box, for instance, provides a temporary access point for secure administration but does not create isolation between different network zones as a screened subnet does. An air gap implies a total