If you’re planning to take the Security+ exam, you should have a basic understanding of selecting appropriate solution to establish host security. This includes technology that allows you to host one or more virtual systems, or virtual machines (VMs), on a single physical system.
For example, can you answer this question?
Q. A company is implementing a feature that allows multiple servers to operate on a single physical server. What is this?
A. Virtualization
B. IaaS
C. Cloud computing
D. DLP
More, do you know why the correct answer is correct and the incorrect answers are incorrect? The answer and explanation is available at the end of this post.
Virtualization allows multiple virtual servers to operate on a single physical server. It provides increased availability with lower operating costs. Additionally, virtualization provides a high level of flexibility when testing security controls, updates, and patches because they can easily be reverted using snapshots.
VMs as Files
It’s worth pointing out that virtual machines are simply files. These files certainly have some complexity, but still, they are just files. As an example, files associated with a Hyper-V VM include:
- VHD files. These files hold data on the virtual hard disk (VHD) within the VM. For example, if the VM has a C and a D drive, these files contain the contents of the C and D drives.
- XML files. These files contain the configuration details of the VM within Extensible Markup Language (XML) files. Each VM includes an associated XML file and each snapshot includes an associated XML file identifying the configuration at that time.
- AVHD files. These are automatic VHDs, more commonly known as differencing disks. They hold the differences between the current disk and a previously created snapshot.
- VSV files. These files hold the saved state for devices associated with the VM. Instead of shutting down a VM logically, it’s also possible to save the current state and turn it off. This is similar to using Hibernate mode in a laptop. Hibernate mode saves the current state of the laptop in a file and turns the laptop off. When you power it back on, it returns to the exact same state as it was before going into Hibernate mode.
- BIN files. These files hold the memory for systems that are in a saved state.
The 601 Version of the Study Guide
The CompTIA Security+: Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-601 Study GuideEach of the eleven chapters presents topics in an easy to understand manner and includes real-world examples of security principles in action.
You’ll understand the important and relevant security topics for the Security+ exam, without being overloaded with unnecessary details. Additionally, each chapter includes a comprehensive review section to help you focus on what’s important.
Over 300 realistic practice test questions with in-depth explanations will help you test your comprehension and readiness for the exam. The book includes:
- A 75 question pre-test
- A 75 question post-test
- Practice test questions at the end of every chapter.
Each practice test question includes a detailed explanation to help you understand the content and the reasoning behind the question. You’ll be ready to take and pass the exam the first time you take it.
If you plan to pursue any of the advanced security certifications, this guide will also help you lay a solid foundation of security knowledge. Learn this material, and you’ll be a step ahead for other exams. This SY0-601 study guide is for any IT or security professional interested in advancing in their field, and a must-read for anyone striving to master the basics of IT security.
Because the VM is just a group of files, it becomes relatively easy to move them from one physical server to another. For example, if one of your physical servers becomes overloaded, you can move virtual servers off the overloaded system to another physical server. Some virtual server management software makes this as simple as dragging and dropping the virtual servers from one host to another.
It’s also easy to restore a failed virtual server. If you create a backup of the virtual server files and the original server fails, you simply restore the files. You can measure the amount of time it takes to restore a virtual server in minutes. In contrast, rebuilding a physical server can take hours.
Many virtualization products allow you to manage multiple virtual systems on a single server, even when the virtual servers are running on separate physical hosts. For example, you might have five physical servers hosting three virtual servers each, and you can manage all of them through a single management interface. This includes taking snapshots, reverting snapshots, and moving the virtual servers from one physical host to another.
Q. A company is implementing a feature that allows multiple servers to operate on a single physical server. What is this?
A. Virtualization
B. IaaS
C. Cloud computing
D. DLP
Answer is A. Virtualization allows multiple virtual servers to exist on a single physical server.
Infrastructure as a Service (IAAS) is a cloud computing option where the vendor provides access to a computer, but customers manage it.
Cloud computing refers to accessing computing resources via a different location than your local computer.
Data loss prevention (DLP) techniques examine and inspect data looking for unauthorized data transmissions.
