How do I deploy a Virtual Canary on VMware ESXi?

Canaries aren't just hardware devices. You can run virtualised Canaries inside your VM infrastructure with the same features that a physical Canary brings.

Requirements: All that's needed for a fully functioning bird:

• Disk space larger than 10GB
• 2GB memory
• Single CPU core

Follow the steps below to create your Virtual Canary in VMware ESXi:

Step 1: Log in to your Console

Step 2: Add a New Canary

1. Click the + Add icon.
2. Click Add New Canary.

Step 3: Select VMware Canary

Click Add VMware Canary.

Step 4: Download the OVA File

1. Click Download.
2. Click OVA to begin the download.

Step 5: Confirm Download Completion

The OVA file has now been successfully downloaded.

Step 6: Open ESXi and Create a VM

On ESXi, click Create / Register VM.

Step 7: Choose OVA Deployment

1. Select Deploy a virtual machine from an OVF or OVA file.
2. Select Next.

Step 8: Name Your Virtual Machine

1. Name your virtual machine. (Note: we used "CPT-SQL")
2. Drag and drop the OVA file or select the file from the location you downloaded it to.
3. Click Next.

Step 9: Select Storage Location

1 - Select the storage location for the virtual machine.

2 - Click Next.

Step 10: Configure Network and Disk

1. Select the VM Network from the drop-down list. (Note: we chose "VM Network")
2. Select Thin disk provisioning.
3. Tick Power on automatically.
4. Click Next.

Step 11: Review and Finish Setup

Your Virtual Canary is almost ready to go!

Click Finish.

Step 12: Provisioning in Progress

Your Virtual Canary is being provisioned.

Step 13: Virtual Canary Powered On

Your Virtual Canary has successfully been provision and powered on.

Step 14: Confirm in Your Console

On your Console, you should see a pop up to confirm your new Canary.

Click Add Canary.

Step 15: Boot and Connect Canary

Your Virtual Canary will boot and connect back to your Console.

You can set up your Virtual Canary from within your Console using the remote management - Guide found here.