While a VDI solution is inherently secure in nature because the end user's data typically resides in a secure data center, it is still important to understand an organization's security posture, policies, and attack vectors and take appropriate measures where necessary. With end users connecting from any location, such as an unsecured Wi-Fi connection at a coffee shop, an Apple iPad over a 4G network, a corporate LAN, or a home cable ISP, it is important to protect corporate data and intellectual property. The use of smart card authentication—a solution rapidly gaining in popularity—is one strong approach for protecting the authentication entry point. Sound networking policies limiting traffic to defined ports, protocols, sources, and destinations is another key component of a secure VDI.

Finally, understanding basic fundamentals of data forensics to ensure compliance, if necessary, is an important skill to have within the VDI solution team. While, potentially, the majority of VDI...