Virtual desktop environments have a lot to offer in terms of performance and functionality.
They make it easier for employees, partners, and contractors to connect to your company’s systems and networks using a wide range of end devices, which can be extremely convenient. Shifting to a virtual environment can also help your business put in place security solutions that support the company’s compliance with security regulations, although virtual environments also present their own security challenges.
Here are some of the most important VDI security best practices that you should be using to protect your valuable data in 2018.
1. Take a Cohesive Approach
Virtual desktop infrastructures have multiple points of vulnerability.
These include not only desktops, disks, and file servers, but also the various endpoint devices that your employees and contractors use to access them. Every endpoint device must feature in your overall security plan. Only by taking a comprehensive approach to security can you be sure of eliminating all weak links in your system and keeping your data safe.
Related: How a Millennial Workforce Affects Your IT Strategy
2. Consider Various Platforms
Remember that a VDI security must run across various operating systems, including MacOS, Linux, and Windows. You need to choose a VDI security solution that’s capable of working across all platforms to protect you from hackers.
3. Use Encryption
Whenever you store sensitive financial, medical, or personal data on your VDI, it is important to use encryption to protect it from being stolen. When sending data, the services you use should employ end-to-end encryption to prevent a third party from intercepting and stealing valuable data.
Related: 4 Signs You’re Ready For Virtual Desktops
4. Use Thin Clients
Sometimes, the users who are active on your system can introduce vulnerabilities that criminals are able to exploit. These users are often not acting maliciously. Rather, they’re simply not thinking how changing the settings on their desktop or installing unsafe apps could affect the security of the organization.
Virtual desktop interfaces allow you to control the apps that users install and the access they have to critical settings. One best practice is to use thin clients, which allow devices to connect to VDI environments but not install malware or make permanent changes to the configuration of applications.
When users log out, the settings will revert to a secure default.
5. Use Antivirus Software
Some people mistakenly think that the security advantages of virtual desktops make antivirus software obsolete. Unfortunately, this is not true. While virtual desktops make it easier to control the spread of viruses, they don’t make it impossible for infections in the first place.
Related: Helpful Tips To Protect Your Data
Some antivirus software vendors, including Symantec and McAfee, have created antivirus products that businesses can use in virtual desktop environments. Be sure to use these antivirus solutions to keep your systems safe.
6. Work With an Experienced IT Consultant
With the regulatory burden on businesses increasing, it’s becoming more difficult for organizations to keep their IT security management in-house. Working with an experienced IT consultant can help your business ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and reduce the risk of a data breach.
Get in touch with Red Night Consulting to discuss your IT security needs in a VDI environment and find out how we can help you meet them.