Source: VMware Security Blog
Author: Tuan Nguyen and Apoorv Malmane
URL: https://blogs.vmware.com/security/2026/10/mastering-cybersecurity-with-vmware-vdefend-and-avi-via-hands-on-labs.html
ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY:
VMware’s updated vDefend and Avi Hands-on Labs teach practical Zero Trust, threat prevention, virtual patching, and load-balancing security for VCF.
MAIN POINTS:
- Cybersecurity Awareness Month highlights rising AI-driven threats against private cloud environments.
- VMware released updated vDefend and Avi Cybersecurity Hands-on Labs for VCF defense.
- Labs bridge theory to practice for security engineers, SOC analysts, and platform administrators.
- Micro-segmentation enables workload-level Zero Trust and visibility into lateral traffic flows.
- Advanced Threat Prevention combines IDS/IPS, NTA, and behavioral analytics to detect attacks.
- Modern software-defined load balancing improves performance, availability, and traffic management.
- HOL-2770-01 teaches DFW 1-2-3-4, ATP 1-2-3, plus AI Assistant troubleshooting.
- HOL-2770-02 focuses on virtual patching and correlated detections to shorten response times.
- HOL-2770-03 hardens VCF infrastructure using predefined vDefend security policies and best practices.
- Avi labs cover integration, WAF security, GSLB resiliency, and migration using conversion tooling.
TAKEAWAYS:
- Hands-on lab progression provides a measurable path toward implementing Zero Trust in VCF.
- Layered defenses improve outcomes by combining firewalling, IDPS, NTA, and NDR.
- Virtual patching reduces exposure windows by shielding vulnerable workloads before OS patching.
- Container environments benefit from integrated Avi plus vDefend for east-west and egress controls.
- Explore 2026 session recordings reinforce lab workflows like DFW automation and AI-driven ATP.