What Small Businesses Should Know About Virtualization Security

WHAT SMALL BUSINESSES SHOULD KNOW ABOUT VIRTUALIZATION SECURITY 70% Small businesses of small businesses are considering virtualization have a strong interest in virtualization, but are still learning how to adopt it in their organizations. As they implement server virtualization, small businesses are putting their data at risk by not ensuring that simple security measures are in place. BACKUP only15% 23% always back up their virtualized servers backup infrequently or not at all PROTECTION Even for those who think they run secured systems, there can still be large (and obvious) security holes: 78% don't have antivirus 48% don't have a firewall 74% forego endpoint protection SECURITY In total, only 40% have completely secured virtualization solutions 8868666666 RECOMMENDATIONS Fortunately there are some simple things small businesses can do to make sure they are properly protecting their data and systems: DEFINE A VIRTUALIZATION STRATEGY Proactively develop guidelines and assess your data protection and security needs. Once you have a strategy, develop a plan and stick to it. SECURE YOUR VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS This could include firewall, antivirus, and endpoint security. Make sure you have established security practices as an additional layer of protection. PROTECT YOUR DATA Implement a solution that protects both physical and virtual environments. Always ensure your data is backed up robustly. Data taken from Symantec's 2011 Small Business Virtualization Poll, the result of research conducted in May 2011 by Applied Research, which surveyed IT professionals responsible for managing computer resources at small businesses with between 5 and 249 employees. The survey was designed to gauge how small businesses are embracing virtualization. The survey included 658 respondents in 28 countries in North America, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), Asia Pacific, and Latin America.