23 Mar 2010

Security for virtualisation 'is key'

Data security for firms that have embraced virtualisation is to become one of the key concerns in the months ahead, it has been claimed.

Chris Boyd, malware researcher at Sunbelt Software, said the technology is growing in popularity as many businesses see it as a more secure form of IT infrastructure. However, given the right tools and know-how, he warned the system can be as vulnerable as any other to infiltration.

He commented: "The biggest issue with virtualisation is that many people treat it as a magic bullet security solution - in reality, it can be attacked just like anything else."

Mr Boyd added vulnerabilities exist in the virtual network, which if exploited could allow hackers free access to systems and this is one area which needs to be tightened.

According to Cisco, two-thirds of respondents to a recent survey felt the main focus of company chief information officers over the next five years will be to reduce costs.