One of the main challenges of virtualisation involves actually securing virtual environments.
According to recent research by security software vendor Trend Micro, many IT decision-makers believe that a worrying skills gap, legacy security systems, poor tools/infrastructure and a lack of understanding are inhibitors to IT security in virtualised infrastructures.
"The results of the research is providing the industry with not only an overview of the security challenges facing virtual environments in businesses, but also an opportunity whereby they can develop best-practice methodologies that will foster innovation within the realm of virtualisation," says Gregory Anderson, country manager at Trend Micro SA.
"While the research shows a lack of training and education is preventing businesses from keeping their virtual environments secure, it also shows that security professionals recognise the problem and are demanding investment into up-skilling their teams to better equip them to manage these new, complex IT infrastructures," he adds.
The benefits of a virtualised machine include scaled capacity, in-house cost savings and improved processes, Anderson says. According to Trend Micro, virtualised environments have the potential to be as secure, if not more secure, than physical ones.
It says demand for virtualised environments, particularly with a view to growing these into the cloud, is booming, with the market expected to grow significantly over the next three years. This is further supported by research that states that over 70% of businesses had updated their technology infrastructures and further embraced virtualisation over the past year.
The report also shows that over 90% of businesses regarded security as an integral part of moving to a virtualised environment. The respondents recognised the importance of aligning business and IT goals and also understood the need to factor security into the wider corporate virtualisation roadmap.
It is against this backdrop that enterprises should consider deploying one security policy across the whole infrastructure - physical, virtual and cloud, says Trend Micro, adding that this can be managed from a single console, which makes it easier to run and manage, and ensures security levels are tighter.
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