{"id":187,"date":"2022-04-20T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-20T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.solutionsunlimitedsc.com\/blog\/?p=187"},"modified":"2022-03-12T18:32:50","modified_gmt":"2022-03-12T18:32:50","slug":"the-critical-importance-of-virtualized-infrastructure-security-and-4-ways-to-enhance-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solutionsunlimitedsc.com\/blog\/the-critical-importance-of-virtualized-infrastructure-security-and-4-ways-to-enhance-it\/","title":{"rendered":"The Critical Importance of Virtualized Infrastructure Security (And 4 Ways to Enhance It)"},"content":{"rendered":"

A torn-down virtual infrastructure creates risks for any business. And it can have a significant impact on how quickly you can retrieve your data and resume operations following an attack.<\/h2>

These days, many businesses use virtualized infrastructure for more straightforward data storage. It\u2019s because this approach is superior to physical solutions due to enhanced flexibility, straightforward provisioning, and affordable pricing. <\/p>

However, this model also requires a comprehensive approach to security. <\/p>

There\u2019s a much greater risk of data loss, as many tools and practices for physical data protection are nearly useless in the virtual setting. Virtual threats are different, that\u2019s why you need to think beyond traditional perimeter protection. <\/p>

So, if you\u2019re using a virtualized infrastructure for data storage, keep reading. <\/p>

This article discusses the risks of improper virtualized infrastructure security and talks about ways you can improve it. <\/p>

Don\u2019t Leave Your Virtualized Infrastructure to Chance<\/h2>

Virtualization security is crucial for every business\u2019s security strategy. After all, we now live in a world of virtualized environments and need to apply security to all its layers. <\/p>

Let\u2019s explore three of the most common virtualization security issues. <\/p>

Issue #1. External Attacks<\/h3>

These are a real threat to virtualized infrastructure. <\/p>

If hackers enter your host-level or server management software, they can easily access other crucial parts of your system. They can create a new user, assign admin rights, and then use that power to extract or destroy your company\u2019s sensitive data. <\/p>

Issue #2. File Sharing and Copy-Pasting<\/h3>

Host and virtual machine (VM) sharing is normally disabled. The same goes for copy-pasting elements between the remote management console and the VM. You can tweak the default settings by tweaking the ESXi host system, but this action isn\u2019t recommended. <\/p>

Why?<\/p>

Because if a hacker gains access to your management console, they\u2019d be able to copy data outside your virtual environment or install malware into your virtual machine. <\/p>

Issue #3. Viruses<\/h3>

Virtual machines, or VM, are prone to many attacks, with ransomware being among the most popular ones. For this reason, it\u2019s crucial to keep regular backups of your website data and store them off-site at a place where they can\u2019t be encrypted by hackers. <\/p>

If you fail to perform backups, you may find yourself in a situation where hackers could ask you for money to decipher your data. <\/p>

Restoring a VM is quite tricky even if you perform regular backups. Therefore, you need to educate your team members on alleviating the risk of getting ransomware and other viruses. <\/p>

Optimizing Your Virtualized Infrastructure Security<\/h2>
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Now that you\u2019re aware of the 3 common issues a business can face if they have an unprotected virtual infrastructure, here are 4 tips on bolstering its security.<\/p>

Tip #1. Managing Virtual Sprawl <\/h3>

Virtual sprawls are often associated with growing virtual environments. The concept simply means that the more you expand, the bigger the need to keep your VMs secure. However, the number of machines can outgrow your ability to do so. <\/p>

To manage your virtual sprawl, consider doing the following:<\/p>