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Addressing Common VDI Security Misconceptions

One of the most common challenges that government agencies face when gaining
stakeholders’ support of desktop virtualization is around security misconceptions. In fact,
research from MeriTalk found that out of 300 federal IT managers, 67 percent indicate that they
have security concerns about their data-center modernization efforts, which include desktop
virtualization.

This hesitancy is expected, as government agencies collect massive amounts of sensitive
information – including personal data, work orders, contracts, payment information and internal
classified documents. This creates a complex dilemma of balancing productivity and security.
To put it simply, employees should have full access to data from their devices but the data
cannot be compromised.

Fortunately, VDI actually makes data protection easier. With VDI, employees’ devices do not
keep critical data — it is instead stored in highly-protected data centers and users only have
access to it from their virtual desktops. This includes sensitive communications such as
employee emails, as the device acts like a screen and controller, but does not store data on it.
Additionally, VDI provides users with technology updates without having to issue new hardware
or manually update each computer. These factors, combined with the recommended best
practice of using cybersecurity solutions that provide multi-layered protection, should address
any security apprehensions within an organization.


With many of today’s public sector employees having to be accessible throughout the day and
night, it’s only right to grant them secure access all the time and from anywhere. With large
government agencies already successfully implementing VDI, and with proper security
measures in place, public sector organizations should be confident in virtualization as it
becomes the accepted standard for addressing today and tomorrow’s complex IT environments.


About The Author


Cynthia James is the general manager of KGSS, the exclusive provider of
Kaspersky Lab’s real-time data to the U.S. government and critical
infrastructure. In this role, Cynthia is responsible for developing the strategic
business vision for KGSS and exploring tactical government partnerships.
With more than 25 years of experience in high technology, Cynthia is a
CISSP with a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity Strategy and Information
Management from George Washington University, and is the author of “Stop
Cybercrime from Ruining Your Life! Sixty Secrets to Keep You Safe.”

Cynthia can be reached online at @CJonSecurity and via the KGSS website:
http://kgssinc.com/.




43 Cyber Warnings E-Magazine February 2017 Edition
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