What type of security feature does NSX-T deploy to protect workloads?

In VMware NSX-T, the Distributed Firewall is a key security feature designed to protect workloads by providing micro-segmentation and allowing for granular control over traffic between workloads. This means that security policies can be applied at the individual workload level, which significantly enhances security postures compared to traditional perimeter-based security models.

The Distributed Firewall operates at the hypervisor layer, enabling it to filter traffic regardless of the physical or virtual boundaries in the environment. This capability allows organizations to create rules based on factors such as workload identity, application requirements, and user roles, thereby tailoring security measures to meet specific needs. By effectively isolating workloads, NSX-T ensures that even if one component of the network is compromised, the attacker has limited ability to move laterally within the environment.

The other choices, while relevant to security in various contexts, do not provide the same level of targeted protection for workloads as the Distributed Firewall does. Intrusion Detection Systems monitor for malicious activity but do not enforce policies on traffic. Encryption is essential for protecting data in transit but does not control access to workloads in the way that a firewall does. Antivirus scanning is important for identifying known malware but may not suffice alone for comprehensive workload protection. Thus, the Distributed Firewall is the most effective feature for