Microvirtualization

Microvirtualization is a security technique that isolates an application or a specific process from the rest of the operating system and other applications. Unlike traditional virtualization, which creates entire virtual machines, microvirtualization focuses on a much smaller scope, typically a single application or a group of closely related processes. This fine-grained approach aims to prevent malicious code from spreading or causing damage by confining it to its isolated micro-environment.

The core principle behind microvirtualization is to create a protected sandbox where the target application runs. Any attempts by the application to modify critical system files, registry entries, or other sensitive areas of the operating system are intercepted. Instead of allowing these changes to affect the host system, microvirtualization redirects them to the isolated environment. This means that if the application is compromised or behaves maliciously, the damage is contained within its micro-environment and does not impact the broader system.

This technology can be implemented through various methods, often involving modifying the application's behavior at a low level or using kernel-level drivers. It is particularly useful for protecting legacy applications, browser sandboxing, or securing specific sensitive processes that might be vulnerable to attack. By reducing the attack surface and limiting the potential impact of security breaches, microvirtualization offers an enhanced layer of security for individual applications.