11 Jun 2009

Virtualisation flaw 'leads to data loss'

A flaw in a virtualised server operated by UK hosting provider VAServ has led to the information on more than 100,000 being wiped by hackers, it has been revealed.

An unnamed hacker broke into the virtual server and was able delete much of the data contained on it.

Disaster recovery efforts are now underway; however, it is believed that as much as 50 per cent of the data lost could be unrecoverable.

It is believed that the hacker had contacted the virtualisation software provider LxLabs prior to the attack to warn them of a vulnerability in its HyperVM-based infrastructure.

They further claimed that they received no reply and therefore assumed that the " vendor appears uninterested".

Meanwhile, Danny Guillory, chief executive officer of Innovations International, recently argued that companies can add strength by embracing virtualisation.

Mr Guillory noted that improvements in data accessibility can enable businesses to grow quickly and respond fluidly to changing data needs.