What does virtualization refer to?

• A. The logical abstraction of computing resources from physical constraints, allowing VMs to run on different hardware.
• B. The process of physically duplicating hardware components.
• C. A methodology for securing networks through encryption.
• D. A type of cloud service category.

Answer: (A)

Virtualization refers to the logical abstraction of computing resources from the physical hardware, allowing multiple virtual machines to run on the same physical server and to move between different hardware as needed. This idea enables consolidation and flexible provisioning, but it also means security controls must protect the cardholder data environment within the virtual layer—the hypervisor, the virtual machines, and any virtual networks must be securely configured and isolated to prevent data exposure. It isn’t about physically duplicating hardware, nor about encrypting networks, and it isn’t a specific cloud service category.