Virtualization

1 min read Last updated Tue Jun 02 2026 10:52:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Presenting one set of resources using different underlying resources.

Virtual machine

Environment presenting only authorized resources to a user class. User cannot formulate commands exposing unauthorized resources.

Hypervisor

Aka. virtual machine monitor.

Used for:

  • Security isolation (e.g., two legal teams on same system).
  • Legacy OS support.
  • OS development/testing without target hardware.
  • Protected virtual networks.

Sandbox

Environment limiting a process to controlled, bounded resources. Cannot affect outside resources.

  • Java’s original design: local code = full access, remote applets = sandbox only.
  • Java Virtual Machine serves as reference monitor.
  • Weakness: opening sandbox for signed applets introduced vulnerabilities.

Honeypot

Faux environment luring attackers. Administrators monitor in real time. Attacker sees a controlled, limited view of actual system.

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