Chapter 5: Securing Hosts and Data Flashcards
(107 cards)
What is Virtualization?
The creation of virtual instances of computing resources- like servers, storage, or networks, on a single physical machine using a hypervisor, improving efficiency, scalability, and isolation.
What is a Hypervisor?
Software that creates and managed virtual machines by allocating hardware resources, allowing multiple OSes to run on one physical machine.
In virtualization, what is a Host?
The physical machine that runs the hypervisor and provides hardware resources to virtual machines (guests).
In virtualization, what is a Guest?
A virtual machine running on a host system, managed by a hypervisor, with its own OS and virtual hardware.
What is Cloud Scalability?
The ability of a cloud system to handle increasing workloads by adding or upgrading resources over time (either vertically or horizontally).
What is Cloud Elasticity?
The ability of a cloud system to automatically scale resources up or dowin in real-time based on workload demand.
What is a Thin Client?
A minimal computer that depends on a central server for processing and storage, commonly used to access virtual desktops or applications.
What is Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)?
A system that delivers desktop environments from a central server to end-user devices like thin clients, enabling remote and centralized desktop access.
What is Containerization?
A lightweight virtualization method where apps and their dependencies are packed into containers that run in isolated environments, sharing the host OS kernel.
What is VM Escape?
A security exploit where an attacker breaks out of a virtual machine and gains access to the host or other VMs, violating isolation.
What is VM Sprawl?
A situation where unmanaged growth of virtual machines causes inefficiencies, security risks, and administrative challenges.
What is Resource Reuse?
Refers to the potential for data or resources to remain on a shared infrastructure after a customer has finished using them, making them potentially accessible for other users of the cloud service.
What benefits does Replication offer VMs?
Replication provides high availability, disaster recovery, fast failover, and safe environments for testing without affecting production.
What are Snapshots?
A saved state of a VM at a specific point in time, used to restore the VM to that exact state later.
What is an endpoint?
Computing devices such as servers, VMs, desktops, laptops, mobile devices, or IoT devices.
What is Antivirus software?
Detects, prevents, and removes malware using methods like signature-based detection, heuristics, and real-time protection.
What is Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)?
Monitors endpoints for threats, analyzes behavior, and provides real-time alerts and responses.
What is Extended Detection and Response (XDR)?
A unified security solution that integrated data from endpoints, networks, cloud, and more to detect and respond to threats more effectively.
What is Host Intrusion Prevention Systems (HIPS)?
Endpoint software that detects and blocks malicious activity using signatures and behavior analysis.
In the context of endpoints, what is Hardening?
Endpoint hardening is the process of securing devices by minimizing vulnerabilities, applying patches, disabling unnecessary services, and using security measures like encryption and access controls.
What is Configuration Management?
The process of managing and maintaining consistent system settings and configurations to ensure operational effectiveness, security, and compliance.
In configuration management, what is a Baseline?
A baseline in configuration management is an approved and documented set of configuration settings that serves as a reference point for future changes, ensuring system consistency and control.
What is an Image?
A replica or snapshot of a system’s configuration, including the OS, applications, and settings, used for rapid system deployment or restoration.
What is a Master Image?
A master image is a pre-configured, optimized base image used as a template for creating consistent, identical system configurations across multiple devices.