Why Operating Systems Virtualization Security is the Best?

Virtualization allows multiple operating systems to run on one computer at the same time. And the system does not crash. Why? This is because the OSs is running on a virtual environment. But, we are not here to discuss that aspect. Rather we are interested in taking a look at its security provisions and protocols. And if you are writing a paper on VM and Remote Computing, you will get optimum research paper help here.

Lately, many organizations are adopting virtualization technology in their IT infrastructure. The simple reason being you can restart virtual machines on a different host if the primary host fails. It allows the network to be independent, rather than relying on underlying physical wiring, network switches, etc. Today 92% of the businesses are dependent on virtualization (as per Spiceworks research). Let us see why.

You can improve the firewall by:

1. Server Virtualization

Here the physical server is divided into multiple isolated and unique virtual server, through software application. Some of the most notable Server Virtualization Software include:

• Oracle VM
• Azure Virtual Machines
• vSphere  Hypervisor
• Citrix Hypervisor
• IBM Power VM

The list goes on. It has been noticed that hackers commit record theft, which involves stealing official documents, digital footprints, etc. This is where Server Virtualization comes in handy. The technology enables the small virtual servers to run their own OS, if the mother or the other servers are compromised. Moreover, some of the data can be backed up here, which can be easily retrieved in the event of an unauthorized breach.

Source: https://www.pexels.com/

2. Network Virtualization

Network virtualization helps in enhancing network security within the data centre. Today, this form of technology enjoys a 30% implementation rate. It employs both hardware and software network resources and deoccupies network services from the physical systems. It then allows virtual provisioning of the whole network. Firewalling, load balancing and other resources can be delivered from the software, and it requires Internet Protocol packet forwarding.

Interestingly, the security services are distributed to hypervisors and are connected to virtual machines, as per security policies. And this setup can be transferred anywhere. So, what are the benefits? The technology:

v Minimizes malware infection in the system

v Facilitates segmentation and boosts performance by dispersing local traffic

v Allows isolation of a complex cluster of multiple virtual networks

In the next section, we will take a look at Hypervisor Security.

3. Hypervisor Security

Hypervisor security ensures that the software responsible for the virtualization is safe in its life cycle. You can limit the attack surfaces and the number of users in the system. In order to take full advantage of the technology, you need to abide by the following rules. You should:

o Secure your network or systems with thin hypervisors. This requires minimal computing and makes deployment easy.

o Install updates recommended by verified vendors. This is because the updates protect the network against new breaching techniques perfected by hackers.

o Not connect unused NICs or physical hardware to the host system. It is advisable that you disconnect devices not used for back up.

o Disable services that are unnecessary at a certain point of time. This involves file sharing service or services between the host or the guest OS.

Generally speaking, Type I hypervisors are more secure than the Type II hypervisors. But when it comes to setting up hypervisors, hosted hypervisors fare well compared to the bare metal hypervisors. So, you have to look at what devices or systems you have at your disposal and your requirements.

The market size of the virtualization security is predicted to increase from USD 1.3 billion in 2019 to USD 2.7 billion in 2024. This goes on to show that many businesses have realized the potential of the virtualization security systems and are slowly adopting it.

4. Desktop Virtualization

There are two types of desktop virtualization- Remote Desktop Virtualization and Local Desktop Virtualization. In the first case, the users can operate the OSs and software application from a server inside the data centre. In the second case, the OS runs on the client device relying on hardware virtualization, and the various processes take place on the local hardware.

According Jhon Wilson, Network Experts of , In this type of virtualization, the administrator manages the computers and devices used by the employees. And he or she is responsible for protecting those computers from unauthorized breaches. The security can be made more robust by incorporating a guest OS image.

In the following section, we will discuss how these systems provide the best security.

Why Virtualization Security is the Best?

Operating system virtualization offers the best security as it:

• Eliminates security issues at the endpoint in browser, VDI and application software.
• Protects vital information against all possible attack vectors
• Ensures authentic performance and  provides the personnel with the required  knowledge

Moreover, this technology:

• Consists of centralized storage, which prevents loss of crucial data even if the device is misplaced, compromised or stole.
• Promotes Isolation, which means if ransomware affects one application on the OS, the VM and other application are safe
• Offers flexibility if it is configured properly, and allows data exchange without having to share important information
• Improves physical security due to less requirement of hardware
• Allows the VM to dial; itself back to the previous state in the event of an attack or if the records are stolen

In addition to this,

• Server virtualization leads to better incident handling as the servers can go back to  its prior state
• Desktop virtualization controls  the user environment the best, and it ensures that the system is abiding by all the security policies
• Hypervisor software, being compact in size, allows for small breach surface
• Virtual switches do not go the route of dynamic trunking for Inter-switch link tagging attacks. They also make sure that double encapsulation attacks are not effective, and they nullify brute force attacks.

So, you can clearly see for yourself how versatile OS virtualization security is.