The virtual world has become an integral part of any business operation in the digital age. It’s no longer a matter of if your business embraces digital transformation, but when, and how best to do it. Virtualization is an excellent way of reducing costs while increasing efficiency and security. In this article, we’ll outline a host of ways virtualization can improve security.
What Is Virtualization?
Before delving into the ways virtualization can increase security, let’s first understand exactly what it is. Virtualization is the process of creating a virtual version of a computer, server, storage device, or network resources. It allows a physical computer to host multiple virtual machines that operate independently, yet interact as if they were on a single physical machine. This way, a single machine can host several virtual operating environments and applications simultaneously, essentially making them into multiple devices with separate specifications.
Benefits of Virtualization
Virtualization brings with it a range of benefits for businesses, especially when it comes to security.
Fewer Physical Components
By virtualizing components, physical servers and end devices are replaced with virtual versions. This reduces capital expenditures as businesses only need to purchase enough physical components to manage the virtual environment. As fewer physical components are used, the system is more secure and resistant to natural disasters like floods, fires, and earthquakes, which helps ensure business continuity.
Increased Resource Efficiency
By consolidating multiple physical servers, resources can be optimally utilized. By reducing physical components and using virtualized tools, multiple applications can be run on fewer machines; so using less power, less space, and fewer resources. This also optimizes system performance without compromising on efficiency and security.
Reduced Error Rates
Due to fewer physical components, hardware-driven errors are also drastically reduced. Virtual machines, on the other hand, don’t require a hardware reset every time there’s a minor technical glitch. This translates to fewer errors and less customer downtime.
Reduced Maintenance
Since virtualized components are isolated from one another and reside on a single physical machine, maintenance is greatly reduced. There is no need to conduct periodic maintenance on the individual physical devices; the system can be managed remotely and all components updated in one go.
Best Practices
Now that we’ve outlined some of the key benefits of virtualization, let’s look at some best practices businesses should follow to maximize the security benefits they bring.
Firewall Configuration
Firewalls are set up to create a barrier between a private internal network and the public internet. This can be done at the level of a physical server or system; however, with virtualization, it’s now possible to set up firewalls at the virtual level, too. It’s important to carve out subnets and design the networking strategy to create a secure environment between the public internet and the network components.
Network Security
As virtualized components use multiple connections and networks, it’s essential to plug in security measures like network segmentation, monitoring, and intrusion detection systems. This will help protect against malicious actors trying to access the system or encrypting data for ransom. Additionally, businesses can also employ technologies such as 802.1X or two-factor authentication to enhance the security of their systems.
Data Security
Data can be stored internally on the virtualized components themselves, or kept offsite on the cloud. With virtualization, businesses can take advantage of encryption and tokenization to make sure data is always secure, regardless of where it is stored.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is becoming increasingly popular as businesses move away from physical components to virtualized solutions. Cloud computing provides a cost-effective, secure way of storing data and applications. With virtualization, businesses can easily deploy a cloud-based model that’s easy to manage and scale up or down according to changing needs.
Virtualization can greatly improve the security of any business environment by reducing the number of physical components, increasing resource efficiency, reducing errors and maintenance, and providing extra security measures. By following best practices like firewall configuration, taking advantage of network segmentation, deploying data encryption and tokenization measures, and leveraging cloud computing, organizations are able to take full advantage of all the benefits offered by virtualization.
