NoHype: virtualized cloud infrastructure without the virtualization

Cloud computing is a disruptive trend that is changing the way we use computers. The key underlying technology in cloud infrastructures is virtualization – so much so that many consider virtualization to be one of the key features rather than simply an implementation detail. Unfortunately, the use of virtualization is the source of a significant security concern. Because multiple virtual machines run on the same server and since the virtualization layer plays a considerable role in the operation of a virtual machine, a malicious party has the opportunity to attack the virtualization layer. A successful attack would give the malicious party control over the all-powerful virtualization layer, potentially compromising the confidentiality and integrity of the software and data of any virtual machine. In this paper we propose removing the virtualization layer, while retaining the key features enabled by virtualization. Our NoHype architecture, named to indicate the removal of the hyper...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2010
• Where: ISCA
• Authors: Eric Keller, Jakub Szefer, Jennifer Rexford, Ruby B. Lee
• Keywords: All-powerful Virtualization Layer, Hardware, ISCA 2010, Virtual Machines, Virtualization Layer