• Home
  • Archive
  • Tools
  • Contact Us

The Customize Windows

Technology Journal

  • Cloud Computing
  • Computer
  • Digital Photography
  • Windows 7
  • Archive
  • Cloud Computing
  • Virtualization
  • Computer and Internet
  • Digital Photography
  • Android
  • Sysadmin
  • Electronics
  • Big Data
  • Virtualization
  • Downloads
  • Web Development
  • Apple
  • Android
Advertisement
You are here: Home » Security Concerns of Server Virtualization and Solutions

By Abhishek Ghosh May 18, 2015 7:09 pm Updated on May 18, 2015

Security Concerns of Server Virtualization and Solutions

Advertisement

Recent discovery of VENOM and related critical bugs in the Xen, KVM, and native QEMU virtual machine platforms again brought the topic Security Concerns of Server Virtualization in to lime light. VENOM was unknown, from Heartbleed, what we have learned is quite clear – frankly there is nothing to do with the unknown, undiscovered bugs till they are discovered and the patch is discovered. But, definitely, there are other security issues which we can take a bit precaution. A smallest sense of taking precaution and based on the usage or need, using certain add-on services can prevent a major disaster. In 2010 Gartner predicted that 60% of virtualized servers will be less secure than the physical servers while they will be replaced and it will decline to 30% at the end of this year – 2015.

Table of Contents

  • 1 Introduction
  • 2 Cloud Computing Vs Virtualization
  • 3 Commonest Risk Factors
  • 4 Infographics
  • 5 Awareness
  • 6 Solutions

 

Security Concerns of Server Virtualization : Relationship Between Cloud Computing and Virtualization

 

As like we have discussed before, Cloud Computing is user based model, virtualization is the enabling technology. Just for example with OpenStack and current concern with VENOM – OpenStack (and its components including Nova, Swift, Neutron, Raksha etc.) is running on the top of the virtualized layer. When we are using an IaaS service, of which the commonest face is known as “Public Cloud” has some parts controllable only by the cloud service provider (Rackspace, HP Cloud, IBM for example) and some depends on the users. Just to recall our old topic – Cloud Computing is multitenant in nature. IaaS is one of the model among the three cloud computing service models of Public Cloud – IaaS, PaaS and SaaS. Public Cloud is most commonly used as PaaS and SaaS frankly depends on IaaS.

Advertisement

---

So, along with the traditional server virtualization, this new concept of Cloud Computing has added huge number of virtualized servers. It is quite obvious, any compromise of this virtualization layer can bring disaster to all the work loads.

Security-Concerns-of-Server-Virtualization

 

Security Concerns of Server Virtualization : The Commonest Risk Factors

 

These risk factors are almost taken as standard recognized risks. These are six in number :

 

  1. Compromise of the virtualization layer is the compromise of all hosted workloads
  2. Lack of visibility and controls on internal virtual networks can blind the security policy enforcement
  3. Workloads of different trust levels are consolidated without practical separation
  4. Lack of adequate control on the virtual machines
  5. Risk out of loss of separation of needed for network and security
  6. Lack of information security related to the projects

Go To Top of This Article

 

Security Concerns of Server Virtualization : Estimation of Awareness

 

Kaspersky Labs ran a survey to check the awareness of the security threats which virtual environments can face. From that study these data got revealed – 36% of the IT professionals think that the security concerns facing virtual servers are significantly lower compared to the physical servers and 46% believe that the virtual environment can be protected using the security solutions which are used for the traditional physical servers. 50% indicated that their employer companies are not using any virtualization or public cloud specific virtualization server security solution.

Apart from the listed risk factors related issues, there are chance of attacks like Denial of Service (DoS), VM Jumping and Host Traffic Interception. Microsoft suggested 10 steps for increasing the security of virtualized environment, which are exactly as follows :

 

  1. Harden the Host
  2. Harden the management and VM operating systems
  3. Ensure configuration of all user roles with least privilege access
  4. Use administrator roles to implement separation of Host, RP, and VM management
  5. Secure VM files, including hard disk, backups, and archives
  6. Enable auditing
  7. Patch archived VMs
  8. Use VLANs and multiple network interface cards (NICs) to isolate management and VM access
  9. Use virtual networks to isolate VMs on the same host
  10. Manage proliferation

Gartner after publication of the data, commented, that the security professionals need to realize that risk that is not actually acknowledged and communicated cannot be managed. Almost all the major GNU/Linux distro, virtualization software providers has good amount of resources on maintenance of security for the workstation, datacenters and virtual machine. In general, search around the terminology is quite lesser and horribly declining.

 

Security Concerns of Server Virtualization and Solutions

 

Many of the commonest issues and attacks in virtualization can be solved by employing simple processes but that existing solutions can not protect the virtual fabric layer consisting with the hypervisors, management systems and the virtual switches, routers etc.

An easy to use approach is to use a third party service from any known, standard security company. Nowadays these solutions are delivered in as a service model. These services usually provides services for physical, virtual and cloud servers. These easy to use approaches must not replace the typical guidelines advocated for maintaining the tight security. These can be thought as an additional layer of security over the advocated methods, exactly what we advised for protection from DDoS for the IaaS. Indeed, using a DDoS protection plan also increases the security of the virtualization layer.
Go To Top of This Article

Tagged With concern of virtualization , security concerns of uzbekhstan , virtualization concerns

This Article Has Been Shared 974 Times!

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Abhishek Ghosh

About Abhishek Ghosh

Abhishek Ghosh is a Businessman, Surgeon, Author and Blogger. You can keep touch with him on Twitter - @AbhishekCTRL.

Here’s what we’ve got for you which might like :

Articles Related to Security Concerns of Server Virtualization and Solutions

  • Public Cloud versus Private Cloud : Where is Security ?

    Public Cloud versus Private Cloud which is safer or rather which is promoted as safer option often confuses a consumer with very limited practical knowledge.

  • Untrained Employees Increasingly Becoming a Burden For Cloud

    Untrained Employees increasingly becoming a burden for Cloud, a vacuum of skilled networking administrators and personnel lacking experience which is grave.

  • Points To Know Before Shifting to Cloud Computing Platform

    Points To Know Before Shifting to Cloud Computing Platform, analysis to be done about the credentials of the course. And here is a guide which will be handy.

  • Remodeling in the Data Center and Integrated Systems

    Remodeling in the Data Center is the result from pressure from all sides and Integrated Systems are booming to seek low-cost, higher performance, easier model.

  • Security Risks of Virtualization in Data Center

    Security risks of Virtualization in the Data Center are with applications and operating systems to Weakness of security personnel. Its multi factorial.

Additionally, performing a search on this website can help you. Also, we have YouTube Videos.

Take The Conversation Further ...

We'd love to know your thoughts on this article.
Meet the Author over on Twitter to join the conversation right now!

If you want to Advertise on our Article or want a Sponsored Article, you are invited to Contact us.

Contact Us

Subscribe To Our Free Newsletter

Get new posts by email:

Please Confirm the Subscription When Approval Email Will Arrive in Your Email Inbox as Second Step.

Search this website…

 

Popular Articles

Our Homepage is best place to find popular articles!

Here Are Some Good to Read Articles :

  • Cloud Computing Service Models
  • What is Cloud Computing?
  • Cloud Computing and Social Networks in Mobile Space
  • ARM Processor Architecture
  • What Camera Mode to Choose
  • Indispensable MySQL queries for custom fields in WordPress
  • Windows 7 Speech Recognition Scripting Related Tutorials

Social Networks

  • Pinterest (24.3K Followers)
  • Twitter (5.8k Followers)
  • Facebook (5.7k Followers)
  • LinkedIn (3.7k Followers)
  • YouTube (1.3k Followers)
  • GitHub (Repository)
  • GitHub (Gists)
Looking to publish sponsored article on our website?

Contact us

Recent Posts

  • What is Voice User Interface (VUI) January 31, 2023
  • Proxy Server: Design Pattern in Programming January 30, 2023
  • Cyberpunk Aesthetics: What’s in it Special January 27, 2023
  • How to Do Electrical Layout Plan for Adding Smart Switches January 26, 2023
  • What is a Data Mesh? January 25, 2023

About This Article

Cite this article as: Abhishek Ghosh, "Security Concerns of Server Virtualization and Solutions," in The Customize Windows, May 18, 2015, February 1, 2023, https://thecustomizewindows.com/2015/05/security-concerns-of-server-virtualization-and-solutions/.

Source:The Customize Windows, JiMA.in

PC users can consult Corrine Chorney for Security.

Want to know more about us? Read Notability and Mentions & Our Setup.

Copyright © 2023 - The Customize Windows | dESIGNed by The Customize Windows

Copyright  · Privacy Policy  · Advertising Policy  · Terms of Service  · Refund Policy

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT