SANS virtualization security course returns to London

The SANS Institute has added Security 577 Virtualization Security Fundamentals to the line-up for SANS 2011 London 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 virtualization over the last few years has led to a growing realization that proper security procedures are often overlooked during the rapid deployment phase. “Deploying a virtualized 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.

The course extends past the server layer with material covering virtualization 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 virtualized environments have had any formal training in security best practice in a virtualized 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 Virtualization 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.