Veeam i introducing a second iteration of Veeam Hardened Repository ISO. The first one from June 2023 was here for a while, and I have initially blogged about that release here. The Veeam Hardened ISO Repository (VHR) is meant to facilitate you the job of creating or hardened Linux repository for Veeam Backup and Replication as not everybody is experienced Linux admin capable of securing effectively a Linux distro. Veeam gives you the tool to do so quickly and easily. The download is free of charge but as its nature is “beta release”, you should not use this in production environment. The ISO will allow you to create a secure repository with immutability.
For testing you can use either physical machine or a VM. (Physical is better of course), with at least 2 disks of 100GB capacity each. Veeam is planning to maintain the updates by themselves when the final release will see the light afterwards.
What is the Veeam Hardened ISO?
The Veeam Hardened ISO is a bootable ISO image designed to simplify the provisioning of Veeam Hardened Repositories. This new delivery method eliminates the need for extensive Linux expertise, making it accessible to a broader audience. By deploying hardened repositories through this ISO, users can significantly reduce ongoing management costs and enhance the security of their backup infrastructure.
One of the standout features of the Veeam Hardened ISO is its ability to provide a secure and immutable backup repository. This means that once data is written to the repository, it cannot be altered or deleted, protecting it from ransomware attacks and other malicious activities. This level of security is crucial in today’s threat landscape, where data breaches and cyberattacks are becoming increasingly common.
You have the pre-hardened base OS with the DISA STIG security profile which is applied automatically. Then there is a Hardened repository Configurator Tool which is a simplified network configurator, that allows you to setup some options such as HTTP proxy settings, change the hostname, change the password for vhradmin user, temporarily enable SSH, Update OS and Veeam components, Reset time shift protection, but also simple things such as login, reboot or shut down.
Key Features of the Veeam Hardened ISO
Simplified Provisioning – The Veeam Hardened ISO dramatically simplifies the provisioning experience, allowing users to set up hardened repositories without the need for extensive Linux knowledge. This ease of use ensures that even those with limited technical expertise can benefit from Veeam’s advanced data protection capabilities.
Enhanced Security – The immutable nature of the Veeam Hardened Repository ensures that backup data remains secure and tamper-proof. This is particularly important in the context of ransomware attacks, where the integrity of backup data is paramount.
Cost Efficiency – By reducing the need for ongoing management and maintenance, the Veeam Hardened ISO helps organizations save on operational costs. This cost-efficiency makes it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes.
Community Feedback – As the Veeam Hardened ISO is currently in Community Preview, users have the opportunity to provide feedback and contribute to its development. This collaborative approach ensures that the final product meets the needs and expectations of the Veeam community.
Free Download – The Veeam Hardened ISO is available for free download during the Community Preview phase. This allows users to explore its features and benefits without any financial commitment.
Not for Production Use: It is important to note that the Veeam Hardened ISO is not intended for use in production environments. Users should utilize it for testing and evaluation purposes only during the Community Preview phase.
How to Download?
1. Go to https://www.veeam.com/beta/vhriso
2. Login with your Veeam credentials
3. The additional password for the download is VHRISO
Part of the download is some resources that will help you to set up. Those are videos done by Hannes.
The Linux distro is based on Rocky Linux.
and after some checking, you get into this screen. This is after the first initial boot on the ISO without touching anything.
The PDF accessible from the download section has all the info about requirements, supported hardware, configuration etc…. There are also 2 videos done by Hannes.
Also, you should know about the limitations and issues that Veeam knows about already:
Quote:
The following known issues and limitation apply to the Community Preview build only and will be addressed in the final release.
ISO Installer
• Current sudo permissions for the veeamsvc user allow to install additional packages that are signed by a trusted key.
• The Installer does not discard systems with UEFI Secure Boot disabled (this is on purpose not to create barriers for preview testing)
• The Help button does not function. Please use the included manual.
Hardened Repository Configurator Tool
• The License Agreement wizard and files are incomplete.
• Some texts and error messages are not final.
Final Words
For me, this ISO will be part of the Veeam Data Platform in the future. (nobody told me that it will). I think It will become one of the parts of the whole package, but for now, we have to stick to this community preview and make sure to provide a feedback so the final product is even better. There are is already first new commend in the forums!
The Veeam Hardened ISO and the latest Veeam Backup and Replication 12.2 release represent significant advancements in the field of data protection and management. The Veeam Hardened ISO simplifies the provisioning of hardened repositories, making it accessible to a wider audience and enhancing the security of backup data. Meanwhile, the performance improvements in Veeam Backup and Replication 12.2 ensure that organizations can efficiently and reliably protect their critical data.
As the Veeam Hardened ISO is currently in Community Preview, now is the perfect time for users to explore its features and provide feedback. This collaborative approach will help shape the final product, ensuring that it meets the needs and expectations of the Veeam community.
In conclusion, Veeam continues to lead the way in data protection and management, delivering innovative solutions that address the evolving challenges of today’s digital landscape. Whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, the Veeam Hardened ISO and Veeam Backup and Replication 12.2 offer the tools and capabilities you need to safeguard your data and ensure business continuity.
Links:
- Download Veeam Hardened ISO Repository (pass VHRISO for the download, after your Veeam site login).
- Community Forum announce by Anton Gostev
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