Anti-virus Protection for Virtual Desktops

Adopting a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) changes the meaning of endpoint security. Virtual assets ― such as the hypervisor, virtual network and virtual machines ― must be secured along with physical assets. To prevent security gaps and reduce areas where attacks can be launched, every endpoint must run security software, which includes:

• Anti-malware (anti-virus, anti-spyware)
• Desktop firewall
• Host-based intrusion prevention system (HIPS)
• Device control
• Application control

Apart from security software, other measures are necessary for a successful virtualization desktop deployment, such as:

• Physical security ― Prevents theft by using cable locks and USB port controls
• Policy engines ― Ensures that virtual machines and physical machines that serve as remote terminals or administrative workstations are protected
• Smooth interoperability ― Decreases the burden of managing physical and virtual systems separately
• Intelligent management software ― Randomizes signature updates and whole disk scans to minimize overall load on the host server at any one time

Combining a virtualization-aware anti-virus program and dynamic VDI management tools can secure virtual desktop deployments. Dell partners with security leaders, such as Norton™, McAfee® and Trend Micro™, including their software tools in its integrated virtual desktop solutions and offering management and configuration models to suit any deployment. Dell™ SecureWorks® Information Security Services offers protection to companies of every size and delivers security expertise and global threat intelligence.