Virtualization technology is becoming a necessity in most corporations globally. Most businesses are adopting the convenience of implementing virtualized workspaces to enhance business operations. Users can access files in a virtual machine without the hardware. VM functions on a model with one physical server and multiple guest operating systems sharing the hardware resources equally. Today, virtualization security is a priority in many businesses due to the rising online threats that attack virtual machines. You can secure your data by incorporating reliable backup solutions like Nakivo Hyper-V backup to ensure sufficient data security.
This article guides you to understand the critical processes in a virtualization security policy and the tools you need to protect your virtualized environment.
Virtualization Security Concerns
Virtual machines are vulnerable to numerous threats, both natural and man-made; hence you must secure your data. It is imperative to understand the various external threats that can cause data breaches in your virtualized environment.
Hackers
Cybercriminals are gaining more knowledge on how to bypass security protocols. When hackers infiltrate your host virtual machine, they can access all other guest operating systems and steal sensitive data.
Malware and Virus
Virtual machines are prone to virus attacks since the system is Internet-based. Ransomware is one of the dangerous bugs that encrypts your data and takes control of your system until you pay the ransom to the attackers. When your VM suffers an attack, it can be quite challenging to restore it since it takes time and effort.
VM Sprawl
Administrators must conduct a feasibility exercise to know the number of VMs in specific organizations. Too many virtual machines operating under one physical server may cause a strain in resource allocation and reduce the productivity of your business.
File Sharing
Guest operating systems should not communicate directly with the host machine due to the vulnerabilities that might compromise the system. Cybercriminals who manage to access the VM can override the security barriers and get to the host, compromising your data.
Storing Snapshots on VMS
Do not keep snapshots for long-term reasons. Attackers can access your VM and steal valuable information from the snapshots.
How To Keep Your Virtual Environment Safe
It is critical to implement strict security measures to ensure sustainable data security policies. You can use the following essential strategies to secure your virtualized environment.
User Access and Privileges
IT system administrators in an organization must issue specific users with access to the VM backup files and the host machine to prevent external attacks. In case there is illegal access, the admin can know the details of the breach.
Reduce ESXi Firewall Ports
Do not open any extra ports connecting to your VM. It reduces the risks of attacks that might compromise your VM.
Secure the VM Infrastructure
It is crucial to secure the entire system- the server, virtual machines, and the cloud, to ensure smooth business operations. Deploy firmware to all the network components to enhance data security.
Backup and Disaster Recovery
It would be best if you implemented an efficient data backup solution with a reliable disaster recovery plan for your VMs. Ensure that you back up files for each virtual machine and the host servers while using the 3-2-1 backup rule. You can also replicate the entire VM system to an off-site location.
Security Tools
To ensure adequate data security, you can install several security tools that will protect your virtualized environment.
Antivirus software
Purchase stand-alone antivirus software from a reputable security provider to enhance data security. Ensure that you pick the best antivirus in the market with advanced VM protection features.
Replication software
It is a backup software that duplicates your VM system to the cloud storage facilities. If your central VM suffers an attack, you can quickly retrieve your files with ease.
Auditing software
It tracks and monitors your virtualized environment for anomalies and alerts the administrators of possible threats.
Ultimately, different organizations will implement security strategies depending on numerous factors. Virtual environments require top-notch security features to prevent a myriad of threats. It is vital to update your VM software, keep your environment safe by following stringent security practices, and install security tools to enhance data security.
