Use Virtualization to Improve Desktop Security
Protect Data & Web Browsing by using Virtual PC or VMware Player
Oct 16, 2008
Everyone knows the importance of backing up important data and applications & many are concerned about hacker attacks while using the Internet. While virtualization will not provide full protection in these instances, it can be used to mitigate concerns.
The information in this article is useful regardless of what virtualization product is used. VMware Workstation / Player & Virtual PC are the most popular desktop solutions, so this article will focus on the use of VHD files or images which are supported on these applications. Those unfamiliar with virtualization should read a tutorial on virtual PC or VMware to better understand this information.
Secure Internet Browsing
Virtual machines can be configured with network settings different from the host machine on which they are being run. Virtual networks with NAT configurations can be setup to hide the virtual machine from the Internet or the local network while still allowing it to communicate with those networks.
Using the browser in the virtual machine means that it has a different configuration, memory & cookies from the one on the host operating system. Resetting the VHD image guarantees that any record of the browsing experience & configuration changes are eliminated. This provides bullet proof protection against adware and spyware that may have been installed. VMware has a free preconfigured virtual machine image named Browser Appliance which can do all of this automatically.
Software Testing
When testing a new software product, there might be concerns that if it needs to be removed, it could still leave some annoying bits and pieces of itself on the computer and in the registry. Testing this software in a virtual environment where the image can be simply reset guarantees total removal of the application. The ability to easily go back to an older configuration if a new one does not work, can also simply the testing process.
Backup and Restore Data
The VHD files used for virtual images are transferable between computers regardless of the hardware or operating system running on them. VMware products for example will work on Windows, UNIX or Linux systems. While some expertise and a good backup are needed to restore a host operating system on a computer, only the VHD files are needed to get back the entire virtual computer.
Simply copying the files to an external drive system will provide a backup of its operating system, applications and data that is instantly transferable to another computer. This, of course, means that the security of the VHD files is paramount.
Virtualization has changed the computing experience of many individuals and it opens up many possibilities that can make computing easier and more secure. Learning how to use it can be enjoyable and is well worth the effort.
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