Hardened Images
A virtual image is a snapshot of a virtual machine (VM) used to create a running instance in a virtual environment, thus providing the same functionality as a physical computer. Virtual images reside on the cloud and let you cost-effectively perform routine computing operations without investing in local hardware and software.
Hardening is a process of limiting potential weaknesses that make systems vulnerable to cyber attacks. More secure than a standard image, hardened virtual images reduce system vulnerabilities to help protect against denial of service, unauthorized data access, and other cyber threats.