VMware Communities: Message List - Zero out VM images

Re: Zero out VM images

continuum — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:43:37 GMT

it is also useful to safe time with backups ...

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VMX-parameters- VMware-liveCD - VM-Sickbay

Re: Zero out VM images

Texiwill — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:09:49 GMT

Hello,

Zeroing out anything within a VM is really a security/anti-forensics issue. However, now that I know the specifics what Continuum has mentioned is the place to start your research.

Best regards,
Edward L. Haletky VMware Communities User Moderator, VMware vExpert 2009, Virtualization Practice Analyst
Now Available: 'VMware vSphere(TM) and Virtual Infrastructure Security: Securing the Virtual Environment'
Also available 'VMWare ESX Server in the Enterprise'
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Re: Zero out VM images

continuum — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:43:36 GMT

have a look here
http://www.feyrer.de/g4u/#shrinkimg
it lists several tools for various guest types

___________________________________

VMX-parameters- VMware-liveCD - VM-Sickbay

Re: Zero out VM images

NSITPS — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:49:13 GMT

What I am getting at is this:

When files are deleted within the guest OS bits are left behind which are included in image backups (vRanger etc) - I have read that you can zero areas on disk and thus not back them up...

I have seen people refer to sdelete and the shrink option within vmware tools.......

I want to know if sdelete - shrink is still the option which should be used to accomplish this????

Not sure this is meant for the security area though...

Thanks

Re: Zero out VM images

Texiwill — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:35:05 GMT

Hello,

Moved to Security forum.

If your VMDK format is Zeroed Thick then the unpopulated blocks are zeroed by default. The same for Eager Zeroed Thick. If you use Thin disks then this is not the case but unallocated/unpopulated blocks will not be part of your backup either.

I am not sure there is a way to zero the unpopulated blocks. If there is it is something you would use from within the Guest OS.

Best regards,
Edward L. Haletky VMware Communities User Moderator, VMware vExpert 2009, Virtualization Practice Analyst
Now Available: 'VMware vSphere(TM) and Virtual Infrastructure Security: Securing the Virtual Environment'
Also available 'VMWare ESX Server in the Enterprise'
SearchVMware Pro|Blue Gears|Top Virtualization Security Links|Virtualization Security Round Table Podcast

Zero out VM images

NSITPS — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:10:44 GMT

At this current time what is the best method for zeroing out un populated areas of VMDKs prior to image level backups - Also, is it safe and does it work?

Thanks