Do you need help understanding and managing your expanding virtual environment? The first task is to find out what’s out the there. Scan for all machines in a domain or ip range. This includes on line and off line virtual machines (VMs). VM Templates present a different problem to solve. It is important to keep templates up to date to reduce the need to scan and patch new virtual machines created by the template.

Now that you know what’s out there, you need to find out what hardware you are running.  In addition, you need to know what software is installed and when it was installed on physical and virtual machines. Scan you machines for software, hardware, and virtual assets being used by virtual machines.

These physical and virtual machines need to be scanned for missing software patches. If there are missing patches, it is important to apply the patches. If a virtual machine is off line, it still needs to be scanned and patched, and snapshots can be created as needed.

If you would like to view a demo of how we can help you eliminate your virtual blind spots, please go to http://www.shavlik.com/webinars/shavlik-video/resources.aspx and click on the September 20, 2011 webinar playback titled “Eliminate Your Virtual Blind Spots to Increase IT Security.”

- John Rush