When it comes to protecting your business’ technology and networks, virtualization security is overlooked. Like all technology, securing your virtualized infrastructure is crucial to your business’ success. Securing a virtualized setting can be complicated because it is a multi-tiered monitoring process: you need to monitor the security of the virtual machine and the physical host.
Here are some security risks posed by virtualization and how you can manage them:
Security Risks & Virtualization
Complicated Infrastructure
Much like the concept of virtualization, the infrastructure itself can be confusing. Trying to understand the complex configuration alone can be a big headache. It can be difficult to identify irregularities within your virtual machines and your network.
Constant Change
Virtualized environments are constantly changing. Virtual machines can be created and added quickly. In fact, adding a new machine could go completely unnoticed because unlike physical equipment, virtual machines aren’t visible in your work space.
When it comes to virtualization, the concern is “out of sight, out of mind.” If you add too many virtual machines, they can become difficult to manage and protect. Oftentimes, security holes and weaknesses can be created in the process.
Misplacing Data
As your virtualized infrastructure grows, eventually you will need to move data from one machine to another. Some of your virtual machines will require different levels of security. You could accidentally move critical data to a machine that has minimal protection.
How to Reduce Risks
While these three security risks sound alarming, they can all be managed. The key to effectively secure your virtual machines is to implement security procedures.
Here are a few areas to cover:
- Organization—separate and organize your test, development, and production virtual machines.
- Audit—create a schedule to audit your virtual machine security. If possible, use tools to automate your security checks and processes.
- Patches—perform regular security maintenance to ensure your virtual machines have up-to-date patches.
- Overflow Management—create a system to monitor all your virtual machines. This allows you to identify what each machine is used for and manage them accordingly.
- Responsibility—designate an IT professional to monitor your virtual machines for security gaps. If your virtual machines are properly managed, your security won’t be an issue.
If you don’t have the right defenses in place, your business will be vulnerable to all types of cyberthreats. If you want to learn more about virtualization, or if you need additional assistance with your virtualized infrastructure, call us today!
