Many of us use virtual machines (VMs) on our computers these days for various reasons – to run an older operating system, test new software safely, or access work resources remotely. While VMs provide great flexibility, they also introduce potential security risks if not configured properly.

Just like with regular software on your main operating system, VMs can be vulnerable to malware, hacking attempts, and other threats. Attackers may try to gain control of your VMs to steal sensitive data, launch further attacks, or cause other damage.

To protect your VMs and the host computer they run on, follow these security best practices:

Keep VMs Updated

Just as you install updates for apps and your main operating system, make sure to keep your VM software (like VMWare, Parallels, or VirtualBox) and any guest operating systems always updated with the latest security patches.

Use Secure Network Settings

Configure your VMs to use secure network settings like enabling firewalls and preventing promiscuous mode that could expose your host system.

Backup VMs Regularly

Take snapshots or backup entire VMs frequently so you can restore them if needed after an attack or corruption.

Don’t Store Sensitive Data

Avoid storing passwords, financial and student information, or other sensitive data within VMs which could potentially be compromised.

Run Least Privilege

Don’t run VMs using administrator accounts with unlimited access. Use standard user accounts with least privilege.

Onboard VMs into Management Tools

For better visibility and protection, onboard your VMs into your company’s security management tools just like regular systems. Install endpoint protection like Microsoft Defender and vulnerability scanners like Tenable within the guest VMs.

Overall, defense-in-depth is key – use anti-malware inside VMs, secure your main OS hosting the VMs, and follow general security hygiene practices. With some simple precautions, VMs can be a powerful tool while reducing risk.