VDI Solutions
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) allows you to access enterprise computer systems from virtually any device, including your personal computer, smartphone, or tablet. This eliminates the need for your company to provide, manage, repair, and replace physical machines.
Securing Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
Common risks impacting data still prevail in VDI environments: ransomware, social
engineering, drive-by downloads, network sniffing, vulnerability exploits, insider
threats, privilege escalations, and malware. Some would claim Virtual Desktop is a more secure
option, mainly because one can terminate the VDI instances once done, but the overall
security state is only as strong as its weakest link – and VDI deployments tend to be
exactly that for several reasons:
- Patching cycles require updating the golden image and are therefore not rapid.
- Virtual Desktop implementations commonly try to consume as little resources as possible,
so administrators try to reduce the amount of software deployed – sometimes
at the expense of protection. - The human factor: users tend to be less aware of security implications when
running on VDI because they often don’t own the system and use it for a
temporary session.
Securing Virtual Desktop Infrastructure with Azure Virtual Desktop
Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) offers a comprehensive platform for securing your Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), leveraging Azure’s advanced security features and industry best practices. Here’s how AVD strengthens VDI security:
Identity and Access Control: Azure Virtual Desktop integrates seamlessly with Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), enabling the implementation of multi-factor authentication (MFA) and conditional access policies. This integration ensures that only authenticated users can access virtual desktops, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized entry.
Network Protection: Azure equips you with tools like Azure Firewall and Network Security Groups (NSGs) to regulate and monitor the traffic to your Virtual Desktops. By setting specific traffic rules, you can effectively shield your virtual desktop environment from potential network threats.
Data Security: Azure Virtual Desktop supports comprehensive encryption for data both at rest and in transit, providing a robust defense for sensitive information. Azure’s disk encryption and Azure Information Protection further ensure that all data within the virtual desktops is securely stored and accessed.
Continuous Security Monitoring: With Azure Security Center, you gain the ability to continuously oversee your virtual desktop environment for vulnerabilities and threats. The Security Center delivers actionable recommendations and insights, allowing you to proactively enhance your VDI security posture.
Regulatory Compliance: AVD assists in meeting stringent regulatory compliance standards by offering features such as data residency options, auditing, and advanced threat protection. This is crucial for industries like healthcare and finance that have specific compliance requirements.
Device and Endpoint Security: By integrating Azure Defender for Endpoint, you can safeguard the devices that connect to your virtual desktops from malware, phishing, and other cyber threats, maintaining the integrity of your entire VDI ecosystem.
Incorporating Azure Virtual Desktop into your VDI framework ensures a secure, scalable, and resilient Virtual Desktop environment, tailored to meet the evolving security demands of your organization.
Why VDI for Today's Enterprise
Security
Over 95% of cyber attacks originate at the end point. With VDI you gain more control over your environment, potentially eliminating any threats to your end points and network.
Manageability
VDI enables you to ensure high availability of your workloads, meet SLAs and provide an enhanced as well as consistent user experience across devices.
Total Cost
VDI experts from Cloud4C can demonstrate how you can save on implementation, deployment, licensing, and overall management so you witness visible reduction in TCO.