Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) and the Future of Secure Data Sharing Across Classification Levels

Why CDS Is Becoming Mission-Critical for Federal Agencies

The ability to move information securely between networks has become central to modern mission operations. Intelligence sharing, coalition collaboration, multi-domain operations, and real-time analytics all depend on trust—specifically, controlling how data flows across security boundaries.

This is where Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) are proving indispensable.

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CDS as a Strategic Enabler of Trusted Information Flow

The question today is not whether agencies need to share data—it’s how to share data securely, confidently, and without operational friction.
CDS addresses this challenge by establishing rigorously controlled pathways for data movement between classification levels.

But the strategic value of CDS extends far beyond compliance. As leaders modernize their architectures, CDS is emerging as a differentiator for:

• Enforcing trust boundaries in multi-domain environments
• Reducing risk of data spills and unauthorized transfers
• Accelerating intelligence distribution and mission response
• Supporting coalition and joint operations with flexible, governed access
• Strengthening overall data integrity and decision advantage

In an era defined by interconnected missions, the ability to control cross-domain interactions is becoming a core competency.

Why Leaders Are Rethinking Cross-Domain Security Architectures

As agencies shift to cloud-centric and data-driven operating models, the role of CDS is expanding. Leaders are asking:

• How do we architect Zero Trust when data spans multiple classification levels?
• How can CDS support real-time decision-making without increasing operational risk?
• What does modern CDS look like in hybrid, cloud, and coalition environments?
• How does CDS complement CSfC—and when do agencies need both?

These are no longer technical questions. They’re strategic decisions that directly shape mission readiness and national security outcomes.

Download the Full Whitepaper: The Strategic Intersection of CSfC and CDS

Explore how CDS is evolving to support next-generation missions—and how pairing CDS with CSfC can create a unified, modernized approach to securing sensitive data across environments.

Download our whitepaper: Understanding the Differences Between NSA’s CSfC and Cross Domain Solutions (CDS)