Category: ESXi

Jan 26

Making Security Easier – An ESXi Fling for US Federal Customers

Running systems in the US Federal Government presents its own unique challenges. From specific system login requirements (CAC/PIV smart cards) to specific regulations like DISA STIG’s, managing systems in this environment comes with a healthy dose of security. Today we’re taking a small step towards making that easier with the introduction of a VMware Fling for ESXi targeting the DISA STIG standards.

DISA STIG

Many of the requirements of a STIG come from years of operational experience with other operating systems. Even though ESXi isn’t Linux, there are some common tools that have specific settings requirements that need to be met by the STIG. This VIB simplifies this process and does it in a more secure manner.

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Jul 15

Custom certificate on the outside, VMware CA (VMCA) on the inside – Replacing vCenter 6.0’s SSL Certificate

A customer recently asked me “How do I replace the “external” SSL certificate of vCenter but still use VMCA in default mode?” Ever curious, I asked “Why?”. His security team required that any “externally” facing management web pages needed to have a custom certificate that chained up to the corporate PKI. But behind that, they were totally cool with using VMCA in default mode (with the self-generated root certificate) for things like ESXi servers and solution users.

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