Virtualization is one of the primary aspects of cloud computing. It offers enhanced flexibility and scalability by empowering cloud service providers to copy hardware platforms that are impartial to user workload and operating system. The end result is the running of different applications in a flawless manner. Our IT services experts in West Palm Beach can help make this vision a reality for your business.
Virtualization and Digital Security
There are some inherent security threats when it comes to virtualization. These weak points include inter-virtual machine combat, mixed trust level machines, and blind spots for communication. Consider the fact that the network security appliance is blind to communications between virtual machines in general virtualization framework. This statement holds true unless routing occurs by way of the appliance channel. This presents unnecessary time lag when people are attempting to connect to the virtual machine.
When it comes to the cloud, the virtual machine is integrated with the hypervisor in the cloud server. It is not provided to the end user so the lack of visibility creates the possibility of a security breach. There is even the possibility for a hole to occur that malware can exploit. If you are worried about that, you can reach out to our IT services team in West Palm Beach to help you with all of your malware concerns.
A Look at Hypervisors
There is also a chance that hackers will reach the guest virtual machines within the cloud server. If this occurs, the integrity of additional virtual machines will be put in jeopardy. An attack on the hypervisor can lead to problems with numerous machines at the exact same time. Hypervisors are software programs added to the host machine to permit virtual machines to interact with the resource on the physical hardware.
The hypervisor has full control over the virtual machine's operations. Therefore, it is a prime target for an attack. Hackers can levy such an attack with what is referred to as a guest virtual machine escape. This occurs when the virtual machine attempts an infection and breaks out of the isolated space to attack the hypervisor. Such an occurrence is referred to as a hyperjacking. It is even possible for several machines with differing levels of confidentiality, security, and data to be compromised.
It is not uncommon for virtual machines with varying levels of confidential secure information to prove vulnerable to hacks. Evildoers on the web can target such virtual machines with minimal security protections and ultimately reach the more coveted and well-protected data. This is precisely why the system should be established to separate or regulate each of the virtual machines with a distinct trust level data.
Beware of Virtual Machine Inactivity
Periods of inactivity will make the virtual machine dormant to the point that it can fall off the grid. If this occurs, the machine will not receive the appropriate security updates in the weeks, months and years to come. Once a dormant virtual machine is reactivated, it will have outdated digital security programs and undoubtedly prove highly vulnerable to digital attacks. In fact, cyber thieves will even attempt to exploit virtual machines and make clones on the dormant virtual machine's template. Your organization should be well aware of such risks and form protocols to address potential security challenges.
At Nexxen Technologies, our IT services team in West Palm Beach can help you solve your IT problems. We provide managed services, IT consulting, VoIP, virtualization, business continuity planning and more. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.