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| The course extends past server layer with material covering virtualisation networking techniques in detail |
The SANS Institute has added Security 577 Virtualisation Security Fundamentals to the line-up for SANS 2011 following popular demand. On its European début last year, the course completely sold out in record time and received some of the highest feedback scores across the event.
The rapid adoption of virtualisation over the last few years has led to a growing realisation that proper security procedures are often overlooked during the rapid deployment phase. "Deploying a virtualised infrastructure is relatively simply but sometimes the basic tenants of secure deployments methodologies are simply overlooked," comments Dave Shackleford, a SANS analyst, instructor, and the course co-author.
Shackleford, who is also a GIAC technical director, notes a rise in threats specifically targeted at virtualised platforms, "In addition, there are a vast number of configuration options that security and system administrators need to understand, with an added layer of complexity that has to be managed by operations teams."
The course extends past the server layer with material covering virtualisation networking techniques in detail, laying out proven strategies for proper segmentation, virtual switching and routing considerations, network access controls and layer 2 policies, as well as how to build virtual DMZs and integrate with existing network infrastructure. It is estimated that less 1% of administrator that are responsible for setting up virtualised environments have had any formal training in security best practice in a virtualised world.
"The response we had last year was absolutely fantastic and the feedback from attendees has prompted us to offer it again this year," comments Shackleford, "The course takes a hands on approach with students building and attacking a complete virtual infrastructure over the duration of the course."
Due to the popularity of the course, this year it will be scheduled to commence 2 days ahead of the main sessions running from the 3rd to the 4th of December. The class has a flat rate of €1,750 but attendees who sign up for an additional 5 or 6-day class will receive a €750 discount. This will be the last European run of the 577 Virtualisation Security Fundamentals as a two day class before it goes to a 6-day format.
SANS London 2011 is the region's largest infosec training event and will take place at the ExCeL London Exhibition & Conference Center at Royal Victoria Dock from 3rd-11th December.