Effectively Securing Virtualized Data Centers
Click here to download now
(3)Overview: For security directors at large organizations, securing virtualized data centers is a
major concern. Server virtualization offers several benefits including better total cost
of ownership, increased operational efficiencies and more flexible management
capabilities. But server virtualization may also increase security risks. Virtual machines
(VMs) themselves are no less secure than their physical counterparts, but organizations
often apply different procedures to their deployment and management. In addition,
server virtualization while offering some major architectural benefits, may at the same
time, introduce new vulnerabilities if not properly addressed.
Traditional methods of isolating and securing servers such as firewalls and virtual
local area networks (VLANs) do not translate well to virtualized environments. The
static nature of these devices makes them too labor intensive and complex to support
VM migration or large deployments. While some vendors have introduced virtual
appliances, they only apply to virtualized environments and force organizations to take
a silo approach to securing virtual machines. Yet another management paradigm adds
more complexity and special training to already overburdened IT organizations.
How can corporations effectively secure VMs? Are there ways to secure virtual
machines that don't sacrifice the operational efficiencies provided by server
virtualization?
To meet these challenges, businesses are turning to cross-platform virtual security
solutions. Designed to isolate and secure communications between both virtual
machines and physical servers and endpoints, these innovative solutions are helping
companies realize the benefits of server virtualization without sacrificing security.
