--- title: "Architectural Flaws Behind Breaches | Firevault" description: "Address fundamental architectural vulnerabilities with Firevault's physically disconnected storage. Remove the design flaws that enable attacks." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://fire-vault.com/root-cause/architectural-flaws#webpage", "url": "https://fire-vault.com/root-cause/architectural-flaws", "name": "Architectural Flaws Behind Breaches", "description": "Address fundamental architectural vulnerabilities with Firevault's physically disconnected storage. 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Physically disconnected, always reachable by you.", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "addressLocality": "United Kingdom" }, "contactPoint": [ { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "customer service", "email": "hello@fire-vault.com", "availableLanguage": "English", "areaServed": [ "GB", "EU", "US", "AE" ] } ], "sameAs": [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/firevault", "https://x.com/firevaultuk" ], "slogan": "Disconnect to Protect", "knowsAbout": [ "Offline Secure Storage", "Physical Air Gap Data Protection", "Ransomware Protection", "Data Sovereignty", "GDPR Compliance", "NIS2 Compliance" ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://fire-vault.com/#website", "name": "Firevault", "alternateName": [ "Firevault", "Firevault UK", "Firevault Limited" ], "url": "https://fire-vault.com", "publisher": { "@id": "https://fire-vault.com/#organization" }, "inLanguage": "en-GB", "description": "Protect what matters with Offline Secure Storage and control what moves with Control by Firevault. Physically disconnected, always reachable by you.", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://fire-vault.com/learn?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } } ] --- Recent Breaches Breaches [2026 PowerSchool 62.4M records ](/learn/breaches)[2026 DISA Global Solutions 3.3M records ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Globe Life 850K records ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Co-operative Group 6.5M records ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Harrods Attempted intrusion ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Legal Aid Agency (Ministry of Justice) 2.1M records ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Adidas UK Customer contact details ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Peter Green Chilled Order and logistics data ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Jaguar Land Rover Production and IT systems disru... ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Collins Aerospace (RTX) Check-in and boarding disruptio... ](/learn/breaches)[2026 PowerSchool 62.4M records ](/learn/breaches)[2026 DISA Global Solutions 3.3M records ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Globe Life 850K records ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Co-operative Group 6.5M records ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Harrods Attempted intrusion ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Legal Aid Agency (Ministry of Justice) 2.1M records ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Adidas UK Customer contact details ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Peter Green Chilled Order and logistics data ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Jaguar Land Rover Production and IT systems disru... ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Collins Aerospace (RTX) Check-in and boarding disruptio... ](/learn/breaches) [View All →](/learn/breaches) [![Firevault - offline secure storage, physically disconnected from the internet](/assets/logo-color-DBVl0KCg.png)](/) Products Solutions [Why OSS](/why-oss) More Buy your Vault Overview The ProblemRelated RisksGet Started Root Cause # Architectural Flaws Most security failures are not about inadequate controls. They are about fundamental design choices that keep data permanently reachable. Offline Secure Storage® fixes the design, not just the configuration. 100% Of breaches need a path Firevault Architecture Analysis 62% Via third-party connections Ponemon Institute 2024 94% Rely on cloud architecture Gartner 2024 01 The Problem ## The Foundation Is Flawed Traditional IT architecture was designed for convenience and collaboration, not for a world of sophisticated, persistent threats. The result: built-in vulnerabilities. ### 1 Always-On Connectivity Traditional architecture assumes data must be constantly accessible. This creates permanent attack surface. ### 2 Shared Infrastructure Cloud and SaaS models mean your security depends on others. One tenant's breach can affect all. ### 3 Flat Network Design Once inside, attackers move laterally. Segmentation helps but cannot eliminate the fundamental flaw. ### 4 Backup Connectivity Even backup systems remain network-connected, making them reachable and encryptable by ransomware. ### Traditional Approach - ✗ Data remains online and reachable 24/7 - ✗ Security depends on perfect configuration - ✗ Attackers only need one vulnerability - ✗ Recovery requires negotiation or rebuilding ### Firevault Approach - ✓ Data physically disconnected by default - ✓ Security guaranteed by architecture - ✓ No network path means no remote attack - ✓ Recovery from clean, untouched copies ### The Firevault Solution Firevault addresses architectural flaws at Layer 1, the physical layer. By removing network connectivity entirely, we eliminate the design assumptions that make traditional systems vulnerable. 02 Related Risks ## Architecture-Related Risks We Address [ ### Third Party and Supplier Exposure Vulnerabilities introduced through vendor connections and shared infrastructure. 62% Of breaches via third parties ](/control-for-supply-chain-risk) [ ### Operational Disruption Architectural weaknesses that enable cascade failures and extended downtime. £1.5M Average hourly downtime cost ](/oss-for-ransomware-recovery) [ ### Data Breach Always-connected architecture that keeps data permanently reachable. 277 days Days average breach detection ](/oss-for-customer-data) [ ### Cloud Concentration Risk Over-reliance on single providers creating systemic vulnerability. 94% Of enterprises use cloud ](/control-for-supply-chain-risk) [ ### Network Attack Surface Every connection point is a potential entry for attackers. 11sec Between ransomware attacks ](/oss-for-ransomware-recovery) [ ### Legacy System Vulnerabilities Outdated systems that cannot be patched but must remain connected. 67% Still run legacy systems ](/oss-for-ransomware-recovery) How Offline Secure Storage helps ## How OSS Fixes Architectural Flaws OSS addresses flaws at Layer 1, the physical layer. No always-on connections, no shared infrastructure, no flat network design. By removing network connectivity entirely, Offline Secure Storage eliminates the design assumptions that make traditional systems vulnerable. [Learn more about Offline Secure Storage](/offline-secure-storage) ![Mark Fermor](/assets/mark-fermor-aWtKNSv7.jpg) ![David Bailey](/assets/david-bailey-Dgqj8eaE.jpg) ![Kenny Phipps](/assets/kenny-phipps-CVyooRsR.jpg) Online Now Get started ## Protect what matters. Control what moves. Choose your Vault and check out in minutes. Dedicated hardware, identity-locked to you, physically disconnected when closed. From £360 a month including VAT. 36-month commitment. First payment at checkout. Get started Not sure which size? Ask the OSS Concierge From £360/mo VAT included 36-month plan ![Firevault brand mark](/assets/icon-white-DNqdto3B.png) [![Firevault - physical control for critical data](/assets/logo-white-official-BKfZ19hm.png)](/) International cyber resilience ## Protect what matters. Control what moves. Firevault is an international cyber resilience company specialising in Offline Secure Storage® and OT cyber security, helping organisations protect critical data and govern how systems connect and how data moves. [hello@fire-vault.com](mailto:hello@fire-vault.com)Europe, US and Middle East Cyber security certified [ ![Cyber Essentials Certified](https://fire-vault.com/__l5e/assets-v1/6f8f42a2-89e1-4c20-938f-3f34d30bc90c/cyber-essentials-2026.png) ![Cyber Essentials Plus Certified](https://fire-vault.com/__l5e/assets-v1/8a77bf2c-6711-4762-b093-c4d650153bc9/cyber-essentials-plus-2026.png) ](https://registry.blockmarktech.com/certificates/) Start here ### Not sure what you need? Use the OSS Concierge to find the right protection or control approach for your organisation. [Find your starting point ](/find-my-oss) ![](/__l5e/assets-v1/e145930c-a2bf-43ae-909c-46634f0fa813/oss-family-mark.png) 01 · Data protection & storage [](/offline-secure-storage) [ ### Offline Secure Storage® ](/offline-secure-storage) Physically disconnected by default, identity verified and built on dedicated hardware, from 300GB personal storage to enterprise-scale infrastructure. [OSS overview](/offline-secure-storage)[LUV](/luv)[Vault](/vault)[Storage](/storage)[Enterprise](/enterprise)[Bunkers](/bunkers) ![](/__l5e/assets-v1/952d28ee-22a7-4947-9f83-214fa336b124/control-icon.png) 02 · Network evolution and rapid protection [](/control) [ ### Control ](/control) Nine governance modules across FIRE and VAULT, composed into Control Blueprints around the outcome, environment and risk you need to manage. [Control overview](/control)[Nine modules](/control/nine-modules)[Blueprints](/control-blueprints)[Firebreak](/control/modules/firebreak)[Control by industry](/control-for-industry) ### Knowledge - [Knowledge Vault ](/learn/knowledge) - [Buyer guides ](/learn/guides/by-role) - [Technical guides ](/learn/guides/technical) - [Firevault Playbooks ](/playbooks) - [White papers ](/learn/whitepapers) - [Learn and explainers ](/learn) - [Breach tracker ](/learn/breaches) - [FAQs ](/learn/faq) ### Firevault - [About Firevault ](/about) - [Security ](/security) - [Partners ](/partners) - [Press and media ](/press-media) - [Help Centre ](/help) - [Careers ](/careers) - [Invest in Firevault ](/investors) - [Contact ](/contact) © 2026 Firevault Limited · Company No. 16320803 · VAT No. 490 8551 64 · Registered in England and Wales [Site Map](/sitemap)[Privacy Charter](/privacy-charter)[Terms](/terms)[Planet Pledge](/planet-pledge)[Vault Commitment](/vault-commitment)[LUV Commitment](/luv-commitment)[Cookie Policy](/cookies) [](https://www.linkedin.com/company/firevault-limited)[](https://twitter.com/firevaultuk) Get started ![Firevault](/favicon.svg) Tell us what your business needs to protect. 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