Data privacy for grid systems

Abstract

Grid computing can provide users dynamically scalable, shared resources over the internet, but users usually fear about security threats and loss of control of data and systems. This paper presents a practical architecture to protect the data confidentiality for guest virtual machines. With this solution, even the grid computing service providers cannot access the private data of their clients. This is very important and attractive for the grid clients. In our work, we utilize virtualization technology and trusted computing technology to provide a secure and robust virtualization platform. On this platform, we customize the guest virtual machine operating system, strengthen the isolation between virtual machines, and therefore, greatly improve the data privacy of grid services. With our solution, the grid service provider can compromise the availability, but not the confidentiality of the guest virtual machines. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.