A Survey of Network Function Virtualization Security

Network Function Virtualization (NFV) provides many benefits to consumers because it is a cost-efficient evolution of legacy networks, allowing the enhancement and extension of networks in quick and low cost manner since the functions of the network will be provided through virtualization. However, security issues are a major concern for NFV users. This paper goes over different security threats of NFV and some of the countermeasures to mitigate these security threats. Also, we define patterns as a way of describing security solutions in an abstract and generic way. Lastly, we provide some of the security research directions in this area.