Multiple threats in virtual networks

Vendors and CIOs are extremely excited about the potential that virtualization technology holds to restructure enterprise networks without requiring complete physical overhauls, by allowing multiple operating systems to run different applications on a single computer. But some experts are warning that the technology makes corporate systems more vulnerable to hackers because the systems are much more complicated than servers that run a single operating system and a single application. As the technology spreads, it's important that IT managers understand the implications of collapsing multiple servers into a single box--it does not change their security requirements. George Gerchow, technology strategist at security vendor Configuresoft, told attendees at the Center for Policy and Compliance in Colorado Springs, Colo. that virtualized environments are technologically challenging since each server separately faces the same threats as a traditional single server. How can CIOs prepare? Create strong policies, set up separate patching processes for virtual machines, and develop support tools that can track when virtual machines are installed on a corporate server.

For more details on virtualization:
- read the article in Computerworld