diff --git a/salt/_modules/qcow2.py b/salt/_modules/qcow2.py
index 6e71dc459..10c4d185b 100644
--- a/salt/_modules/qcow2.py
+++ b/salt/_modules/qcow2.py
@@ -7,12 +7,14 @@
 
 """
 Salt module for managing QCOW2 image configurations and VM hardware settings. This module provides functions
-for modifying network configurations within QCOW2 images and adjusting virtual machine hardware settings.
-It serves as a Salt interface to the so-qcow2-modify-network and so-kvm-modify-hardware scripts.
+for modifying network configurations within QCOW2 images, adjusting virtual machine hardware settings, and
+creating virtual storage volumes. It serves as a Salt interface to the so-qcow2-modify-network,
+so-kvm-modify-hardware, and so-kvm-create-volume scripts.
 
-The module offers two main capabilities:
+The module offers three main capabilities:
 1. Network Configuration: Modify network settings (DHCP/static IP) within QCOW2 images
 2. Hardware Configuration: Adjust VM hardware settings (CPU, memory, PCI passthrough)
+3. Volume Management: Create and attach virtual storage volumes for NSM data
 
 This module is intended to work with Security Onion's virtualization infrastructure and is typically
 used in conjunction with salt-cloud for VM provisioning and management.
@@ -244,3 +246,90 @@ def modify_hardware_config(vm_name, cpu=None, memory=None, pci=None, start=False
     except Exception as e:
         log.error('qcow2 module: An error occurred while executing the script: {}'.format(e))
         raise
+
+def create_volume_config(vm_name, size_gb, start=False):
+    '''
+    Usage:
+        salt '*' qcow2.create_volume_config vm_name=<name> size_gb=<size> [start=<bool>]
+
+    Options:
+        vm_name
+            Name of the virtual machine to attach the volume to
+        size_gb
+            Volume size in GB (positive integer)
+            This determines the capacity of the virtual storage volume
+        start
+            Boolean flag to start the VM after volume creation
+            Optional - defaults to False
+
+    Examples:
+        1. **Create 500GB Volume:**
+            ```bash
+            salt '*' qcow2.create_volume_config vm_name='sensor1_sensor' size_gb=500
+            ```
+            This creates a 500GB virtual volume for NSM storage
+
+        2. **Create 1TB Volume and Start VM:**
+            ```bash
+            salt '*' qcow2.create_volume_config vm_name='sensor1_sensor' size_gb=1000 start=True
+            ```
+            This creates a 1TB volume and starts the VM after attachment
+
+    Notes:
+        - VM must be stopped before volume creation
+        - Volume is created as a qcow2 image and attached to the VM
+        - This is an alternative to disk passthrough via modify_hardware_config
+        - Volume is automatically attached to the VM's libvirt configuration
+        - Requires so-kvm-create-volume script to be installed
+        - Volume files are stored in the hypervisor's VM storage directory
+
+    Description:
+        This function creates and attaches a virtual storage volume to a KVM virtual machine
+        using the so-kvm-create-volume script. It creates a qcow2 disk image of the specified
+        size and attaches it to the VM for NSM (Network Security Monitoring) storage purposes.
+        This provides an alternative to physical disk passthrough, allowing flexible storage
+        allocation without requiring dedicated hardware. The VM can optionally be started
+        after the volume is successfully created and attached.
+
+    Exit Codes:
+        0: Success
+        1: Invalid parameters
+        2: VM state error (running when should be stopped)
+        3: Volume creation error
+        4: System command error
+        255: Unexpected error
+
+    Logging:
+        - All operations are logged to the salt minion log
+        - Log entries are prefixed with 'qcow2 module:'
+        - Volume creation and attachment operations are logged
+        - Errors include detailed messages and stack traces
+        - Final status of volume creation is logged
+    '''
+
+    # Validate size_gb parameter
+    if not isinstance(size_gb, int) or size_gb <= 0:
+        raise ValueError('size_gb must be a positive integer.')
+
+    cmd = ['/usr/sbin/so-kvm-create-volume', '-v', vm_name, '-s', str(size_gb)]
+
+    if start:
+        cmd.append('-S')
+
+    log.info('qcow2 module: Executing command: {}'.format(' '.join(shlex.quote(arg) for arg in cmd)))
+
+    try:
+        result = subprocess.run(cmd, capture_output=True, text=True, check=False)
+        ret = {
+            'retcode': result.returncode,
+            'stdout': result.stdout,
+            'stderr': result.stderr
+        }
+        if result.returncode != 0:
+            log.error('qcow2 module: Script execution failed with return code {}: {}'.format(result.returncode, result.stderr))
+        else:
+            log.info('qcow2 module: Script executed successfully.')
+        return ret
+    except Exception as e:
+        log.error('qcow2 module: An error occurred while executing the script: {}'.format(e))
+        raise
diff --git a/salt/common/grains.sls b/salt/common/grains.sls
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..b8d3a4c90
--- /dev/null
+++ b/salt/common/grains.sls
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+# Copyright Security Onion Solutions LLC and/or licensed to Security Onion Solutions LLC under one
+# or more contributor license agreements. Licensed under the Elastic License 2.0 as shown at
+# https://securityonion.net/license; you may not use this file except in compliance with the
+# Elastic License 2.0.
+
+{% set nsm_exists = salt['file.directory_exists']('/nsm') %}
+{% if nsm_exists %}
+{%   set nsm_total = salt['cmd.shell']('df -BG /nsm | tail -1 | awk \'{print $2}\'') %}
+
+nsm_total:
+  grains.present:
+    - name: nsm_total
+    - value: {{ nsm_total }}
+
+{% else %}
+
+nsm_missing:
+  test.succeed_without_changes:
+    - name: /nsm does not exist, skipping grain assignment
+
+{% endif %}
diff --git a/salt/common/init.sls b/salt/common/init.sls
index 7137ff11f..eba18f651 100644
--- a/salt/common/init.sls
+++ b/salt/common/init.sls
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 {% from 'vars/globals.map.jinja' import GLOBALS %}
 
 include:
+  - common.grains
   - common.packages
 {% if GLOBALS.role in GLOBALS.manager_roles %}
   - manager.elasticsearch # needed for elastic_curl_config state
diff --git a/salt/elasticfleet/files/integrations/grid-nodes_general/import-evtx-logs.json b/salt/elasticfleet/files/integrations/grid-nodes_general/import-evtx-logs.json
index 8132f4a09..dd95e6337 100644
--- a/salt/elasticfleet/files/integrations/grid-nodes_general/import-evtx-logs.json
+++ b/salt/elasticfleet/files/integrations/grid-nodes_general/import-evtx-logs.json
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
             ],
             "data_stream.dataset": "import",
             "custom": "",
-            "processors": "- dissect:\n    tokenizer: \"/nsm/import/%{import.id}/evtx/%{import.file}\"\n    field: \"log.file.path\"\n    target_prefix: \"\"\n- decode_json_fields:\n    fields: [\"message\"]\n    target: \"\"\n- drop_fields:\n    fields: [\"host\"]\n    ignore_missing: true\n- add_fields:\n    target: data_stream\n    fields:\n      type: logs\n      dataset: system.security\n- add_fields:\n    target: event\n    fields:\n      dataset: system.security\n      module: system\n      imported: true\n- add_fields:\n    target: \"@metadata\"\n    fields:\n        pipeline: logs-system.security-2.5.4\n- if:\n    equals:\n      winlog.channel: 'Microsoft-Windows-Sysmon/Operational'\n  then: \n    - add_fields:\n        target: data_stream\n        fields:\n          dataset: windows.sysmon_operational\n    - add_fields:\n        target: event\n        fields:\n          dataset: windows.sysmon_operational\n          module: windows\n          imported: true\n    - add_fields:\n        target: \"@metadata\"\n        fields:\n            pipeline: logs-windows.sysmon_operational-3.1.2\n- if:\n    equals:\n      winlog.channel: 'Application'\n  then: \n    - add_fields:\n        target: data_stream\n        fields:\n          dataset: system.application\n    - add_fields:\n        target: event\n        fields:\n          dataset: system.application\n    - add_fields:\n        target: \"@metadata\"\n        fields:\n            pipeline: logs-system.application-2.5.4\n- if:\n    equals:\n      winlog.channel: 'System'\n  then: \n    - add_fields:\n        target: data_stream\n        fields:\n          dataset: system.system\n    - add_fields:\n        target: event\n        fields:\n          dataset: system.system\n    - add_fields:\n        target: \"@metadata\"\n        fields:\n            pipeline: logs-system.system-2.5.4\n    \n- if:\n    equals:\n      winlog.channel: 'Microsoft-Windows-PowerShell/Operational'\n  then: \n    - add_fields:\n        target: data_stream\n        fields:\n          dataset: windows.powershell_operational\n    - add_fields:\n        target: event\n        fields:\n          dataset: windows.powershell_operational\n          module: windows\n    - add_fields:\n        target: \"@metadata\"\n        fields:\n            pipeline: logs-windows.powershell_operational-3.1.2\n- add_fields:\n    target: data_stream\n    fields:\n        dataset: import",
+            "processors": "- dissect:\n    tokenizer: \"/nsm/import/%{import.id}/evtx/%{import.file}\"\n    field: \"log.file.path\"\n    target_prefix: \"\"\n- decode_json_fields:\n    fields: [\"message\"]\n    target: \"\"\n- drop_fields:\n    fields: [\"host\"]\n    ignore_missing: true\n- add_fields:\n    target: data_stream\n    fields:\n      type: logs\n      dataset: system.security\n- add_fields:\n    target: event\n    fields:\n      dataset: system.security\n      module: system\n      imported: true\n- add_fields:\n    target: \"@metadata\"\n    fields:\n        pipeline: logs-system.security-2.6.1\n- if:\n    equals:\n      winlog.channel: 'Microsoft-Windows-Sysmon/Operational'\n  then: \n    - add_fields:\n        target: data_stream\n        fields:\n          dataset: windows.sysmon_operational\n    - add_fields:\n        target: event\n        fields:\n          dataset: windows.sysmon_operational\n          module: windows\n          imported: true\n    - add_fields:\n        target: \"@metadata\"\n        fields:\n            pipeline: logs-windows.sysmon_operational-3.1.2\n- if:\n    equals:\n      winlog.channel: 'Application'\n  then: \n    - add_fields:\n        target: data_stream\n        fields:\n          dataset: system.application\n    - add_fields:\n        target: event\n        fields:\n          dataset: system.application\n    - add_fields:\n        target: \"@metadata\"\n        fields:\n            pipeline: logs-system.application-2.6.1\n- if:\n    equals:\n      winlog.channel: 'System'\n  then: \n    - add_fields:\n        target: data_stream\n        fields:\n          dataset: system.system\n    - add_fields:\n        target: event\n        fields:\n          dataset: system.system\n    - add_fields:\n        target: \"@metadata\"\n        fields:\n            pipeline: logs-system.system-2.6.1\n    \n- if:\n    equals:\n      winlog.channel: 'Microsoft-Windows-PowerShell/Operational'\n  then: \n    - add_fields:\n        target: data_stream\n        fields:\n          dataset: windows.powershell_operational\n    - add_fields:\n        target: event\n        fields:\n          dataset: windows.powershell_operational\n          module: windows\n    - add_fields:\n        target: \"@metadata\"\n        fields:\n            pipeline: logs-windows.powershell_operational-3.1.2\n- add_fields:\n    target: data_stream\n    fields:\n        dataset: import",
             "tags": [
               "import"
             ]
diff --git a/salt/elasticfleet/tools/sbin_jinja/so-elastic-fleet-outputs-update b/salt/elasticfleet/tools/sbin_jinja/so-elastic-fleet-outputs-update
index 43eef6ee9..9efe8a19d 100644
--- a/salt/elasticfleet/tools/sbin_jinja/so-elastic-fleet-outputs-update
+++ b/salt/elasticfleet/tools/sbin_jinja/so-elastic-fleet-outputs-update
@@ -15,8 +15,21 @@ if ! is_manager_node; then
 fi
 
 function update_logstash_outputs() {
-	# Generate updated JSON payload
-    JSON_STRING=$(jq -n --arg UPDATEDLIST $NEW_LIST_JSON '{"name":"grid-logstash","type":"logstash","hosts": $UPDATEDLIST,"is_default":true,"is_default_monitoring":true,"config_yaml":""}')
+    if logstash_policy=$(curl -K /opt/so/conf/elasticsearch/curl.config -L "http://localhost:5601/api/fleet/outputs/so-manager_logstash" --retry 3 --retry-delay 10 --fail 2>/dev/null); then
+        SSL_CONFIG=$(echo "$logstash_policy" | jq -r '.item.ssl')
+        if SECRETS=$(echo "$logstash_policy" | jq -er '.item.secrets' 2>/dev/null); then
+            JSON_STRING=$(jq -n \
+                --arg UPDATEDLIST "$NEW_LIST_JSON" \
+                --argjson SECRETS "$SECRETS" \
+                --argjson SSL_CONFIG "$SSL_CONFIG" \
+                '{"name":"grid-logstash","type":"logstash","hosts": $UPDATEDLIST,"is_default":true,"is_default_monitoring":true,"config_yaml":"","ssl": $SSL_CONFIG,"secrets": $SECRETS}')
+        else
+            JSON_STRING=$(jq -n \
+                --arg UPDATEDLIST "$NEW_LIST_JSON" \
+                --argjson SSL_CONFIG "$SSL_CONFIG" \
+                '{"name":"grid-logstash","type":"logstash","hosts": $UPDATEDLIST,"is_default":true,"is_default_monitoring":true,"config_yaml":"","ssl": $SSL_CONFIG}')
+        fi
+    fi
 
     # Update Logstash Outputs
     curl -K /opt/so/conf/elasticsearch/curl.config -L -X PUT "localhost:5601/api/fleet/outputs/so-manager_logstash" -H 'kbn-xsrf: true' -H 'Content-Type: application/json' -d "$JSON_STRING" | jq
diff --git a/salt/elasticfleet/tools/sbin_jinja/so-elastic-fleet-setup b/salt/elasticfleet/tools/sbin_jinja/so-elastic-fleet-setup
index ab6757893..446fc6c9a 100755
--- a/salt/elasticfleet/tools/sbin_jinja/so-elastic-fleet-setup
+++ b/salt/elasticfleet/tools/sbin_jinja/so-elastic-fleet-setup
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ JSON_STRING=$( jq -n \
                   --arg LOGSTASHCRT "$LOGSTASHCRT" \
                   --arg LOGSTASHKEY "$LOGSTASHKEY" \
                   --arg LOGSTASHCA "$LOGSTASHCA" \
-                  '{"name":"grid-logstash","is_default":true,"is_default_monitoring":true,"id":"so-manager_logstash","type":"logstash","hosts":["{{ GLOBALS.manager_ip }}:5055", "{{ GLOBALS.manager }}:5055"],"config_yaml":"","ssl":{"certificate": $LOGSTASHCRT,"key": $LOGSTASHKEY,"certificate_authorities":[ $LOGSTASHCA ]},"proxy_id":null}'
+                  '{"name":"grid-logstash","is_default":true,"is_default_monitoring":true,"id":"so-manager_logstash","type":"logstash","hosts":["{{ GLOBALS.manager_ip }}:5055", "{{ GLOBALS.manager }}:5055"],"config_yaml":"","ssl":{"certificate": $LOGSTASHCRT,"certificate_authorities":[ $LOGSTASHCA ]},"secrets":{"ssl":{"key": $LOGSTASHKEY }},"proxy_id":null}'
                   )
 if ! fleet_api "outputs" -XPOST -H 'kbn-xsrf: true' -H 'Content-Type: application/json' -d "$JSON_STRING"; then
     echo -e "\nFailed to create logstash fleet output"
diff --git a/salt/elasticsearch/defaults.yaml b/salt/elasticsearch/defaults.yaml
index 6ed55a936..23eee8df0 100644
--- a/salt/elasticsearch/defaults.yaml
+++ b/salt/elasticsearch/defaults.yaml
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 elasticsearch:
   enabled: false
-  version: 8.18.6
+  version: 8.18.8
   index_clean: true
   config:
     action:
diff --git a/salt/hypervisor/tools/sbin/so-nvme-raid1.sh b/salt/hypervisor/tools/sbin/so-nvme-raid1.sh
index cc9916a4c..fe96c063b 100644
--- a/salt/hypervisor/tools/sbin/so-nvme-raid1.sh
+++ b/salt/hypervisor/tools/sbin/so-nvme-raid1.sh
@@ -30,7 +30,9 @@
 #
 # WARNING: This script will DESTROY all data on the target drives!
 #
-# USAGE: sudo ./so-nvme-raid1.sh
+# USAGE: 
+#   sudo ./so-nvme-raid1.sh              # Normal operation
+#   sudo ./so-nvme-raid1.sh --force-cleanup  # Force cleanup of existing RAID
 #
 #################################################################
 
@@ -41,6 +43,19 @@ set -e
 RAID_ARRAY_NAME="md0"
 RAID_DEVICE="/dev/${RAID_ARRAY_NAME}"
 MOUNT_POINT="/nsm"
+FORCE_CLEANUP=false
+
+# Parse command line arguments
+for arg in "$@"; do
+    case $arg in
+        --force-cleanup)
+            FORCE_CLEANUP=true
+            shift
+            ;;
+        *)
+            ;;
+    esac
+done
 
 # Function to log messages
 log() {
@@ -55,6 +70,91 @@ check_root() {
     fi
 }
 
+# Function to force cleanup all RAID components
+force_cleanup_raid() {
+    log "=== FORCE CLEANUP MODE ==="
+    log "This will destroy all RAID configurations and data on target drives!"
+    
+    # Stop all MD arrays
+    log "Stopping all MD arrays"
+    mdadm --stop --scan 2>/dev/null || true
+    
+    # Wait for arrays to stop
+    sleep 2
+    
+    # Remove any running md devices
+    for md in /dev/md*; do
+        if [ -b "$md" ]; then
+            log "Stopping $md"
+            mdadm --stop "$md" 2>/dev/null || true
+        fi
+    done
+    
+    # Force cleanup both NVMe drives
+    for device in "/dev/nvme0n1" "/dev/nvme1n1"; do
+        log "Force cleaning $device"
+        
+        # Kill any processes using the device
+        fuser -k "${device}"* 2>/dev/null || true
+        
+        # Unmount any mounted partitions
+        for part in "${device}"*; do
+            if [ -b "$part" ]; then
+                umount -f "$part" 2>/dev/null || true
+            fi
+        done
+        
+        # Force zero RAID superblocks on partitions
+        for part in "${device}"p*; do
+            if [ -b "$part" ]; then
+                log "Zeroing RAID superblock on $part"
+                mdadm --zero-superblock --force "$part" 2>/dev/null || true
+            fi
+        done
+        
+        # Zero superblock on the device itself
+        log "Zeroing RAID superblock on $device"
+        mdadm --zero-superblock --force "$device" 2>/dev/null || true
+        
+        # Remove LVM physical volumes
+        pvremove -ff -y "$device" 2>/dev/null || true
+        
+        # Wipe all filesystem and partition signatures
+        log "Wiping all signatures from $device"
+        wipefs -af "$device" 2>/dev/null || true
+        
+        # Overwrite the beginning of the drive (partition table area)
+        log "Clearing partition table on $device"
+        dd if=/dev/zero of="$device" bs=1M count=10 2>/dev/null || true
+        
+        # Clear the end of the drive (backup partition table area)
+        local device_size=$(blockdev --getsz "$device" 2>/dev/null || echo "0")
+        if [ "$device_size" -gt 0 ]; then
+            dd if=/dev/zero of="$device" bs=512 seek=$(( device_size - 2048 )) count=2048 2>/dev/null || true
+        fi
+        
+        # Force kernel to re-read partition table
+        blockdev --rereadpt "$device" 2>/dev/null || true
+        partprobe -s "$device" 2>/dev/null || true
+    done
+    
+    # Clear mdadm configuration
+    log "Clearing mdadm configuration"
+    echo "DEVICE partitions" > /etc/mdadm.conf
+    
+    # Remove any fstab entries for the RAID device or mount point
+    log "Cleaning fstab entries"
+    sed -i "\|${RAID_DEVICE}|d" /etc/fstab
+    sed -i "\|${MOUNT_POINT}|d" /etc/fstab
+    
+    # Wait for system to settle
+    udevadm settle
+    sleep 5
+    
+    log "Force cleanup complete!"
+    log "Proceeding with RAID setup..."
+}
+
 # Function to find MD arrays using specific devices
 find_md_arrays_using_devices() {
     local target_devices=("$@")
@@ -205,10 +305,15 @@ check_existing_raid() {
             fi
             
             log "Error: $device appears to be part of an existing RAID array"
-            log "To reuse this device, you must first:"
-            log "1. Unmount any filesystems"
-            log "2. Stop the RAID array: mdadm --stop $array_name"
-            log "3. Zero the superblock: mdadm --zero-superblock ${device}p1"
+            log "Old RAID metadata detected but array is not running."
+            log ""
+            log "To fix this, run the script with --force-cleanup:"
+            log "  sudo $0 --force-cleanup"
+            log ""
+            log "Or manually clean up with:"
+            log "1. Stop any arrays: mdadm --stop --scan"
+            log "2. Zero superblocks: mdadm --zero-superblock --force ${device}p1"
+            log "3. Wipe signatures: wipefs -af $device"
             exit 1
         fi
     done
@@ -238,7 +343,7 @@ ensure_devices_free() {
     done
     
     # Clear MD superblock
-    mdadm --zero-superblock "${device}"* 2>/dev/null || true
+    mdadm --zero-superblock --force "${device}"* 2>/dev/null || true
     
     # Remove LVM PV if exists
     pvremove -ff -y "$device" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -263,6 +368,11 @@ main() {
     # Check if running as root
     check_root
     
+    # If force cleanup flag is set, do aggressive cleanup first
+    if [ "$FORCE_CLEANUP" = true ]; then
+        force_cleanup_raid
+    fi
+    
     # Check for existing RAID setup
     check_existing_raid
     
diff --git a/salt/hypervisor/tools/sbin_jinja/so-kvm-create-volume b/salt/hypervisor/tools/sbin_jinja/so-kvm-create-volume
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..57309ec8e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/salt/hypervisor/tools/sbin_jinja/so-kvm-create-volume
@@ -0,0 +1,586 @@
+#!/usr/bin/python3
+
+# Copyright Security Onion Solutions LLC and/or licensed to Security Onion Solutions LLC under one
+# or more contributor license agreements. Licensed under the Elastic License 2.0 as shown at
+# https://securityonion.net/license; you may not use this file except in compliance with the
+# Elastic License 2.0.
+#
+# Note: Per the Elastic License 2.0, the second limitation states:
+#
+#   "You may not move, change, disable, or circumvent the license key functionality
+#    in the software, and you may not remove or obscure any functionality in the
+#    software that is protected by the license key."
+
+{% if 'vrt' in salt['pillar.get']('features', []) %}
+
+"""
+Script for creating and attaching virtual volumes to KVM virtual machines for NSM storage.
+This script provides functionality to create pre-allocated raw disk images and attach them
+to VMs as virtio-blk devices for high-performance network security monitoring data storage.
+
+The script handles the complete volume lifecycle:
+1. Volume Creation: Creates pre-allocated raw disk images using qemu-img
+2. Volume Attachment: Attaches volumes to VMs as virtio-blk devices
+3. VM Management: Stops/starts VMs as needed during the process
+
+This script is designed to work with Security Onion's virtualization infrastructure and is typically
+used during VM provisioning to add dedicated NSM storage volumes.
+
+**Usage:**
+    so-kvm-create-volume -v <vm_name> -s <size_gb> [-S]
+
+**Options:**
+    -v, --vm          Name of the virtual machine to attach the volume to (required).
+    -s, --size        Size of the volume in GB (required, must be a positive integer).
+    -S, --start       Start the VM after volume creation and attachment (optional).
+
+**Examples:**
+
+1. **Create and Attach 500GB Volume:**
+
+    ```bash
+    so-kvm-create-volume -v vm1_sensor -s 500
+    ```
+
+    This command creates and attaches a volume with the following settings:
+    - VM Name: `vm1_sensor`
+    - Volume Size: `500` GB
+    - Volume Path: `/nsm/libvirt/volumes/vm1_sensor-nsm.img`
+    - Device: `/dev/vdb` (virtio-blk)
+    - VM remains stopped after attachment
+
+2. **Create Volume and Start VM:**
+
+    ```bash
+    so-kvm-create-volume -v vm2_sensor -s 1000 -S
+    ```
+
+    This command creates a volume and starts the VM:
+    - VM Name: `vm2_sensor`
+    - Volume Size: `1000` GB (1 TB)
+    - VM is started after volume attachment due to the `-S` flag
+
+3. **Create Large Volume for Heavy Traffic:**
+
+    ```bash
+    so-kvm-create-volume -v vm3_sensor -s 2000 -S
+    ```
+
+    This command creates a large volume for high-traffic environments:
+    - VM Name: `vm3_sensor`
+    - Volume Size: `2000` GB (2 TB)
+    - VM is started after attachment
+
+**Notes:**
+
+- The script automatically stops the VM if it's running before creating and attaching the volume.
+- Volumes are created with full pre-allocation for optimal performance.
+- Volume files are stored in `/nsm/libvirt/volumes/` with naming pattern `<vm_name>-nsm.img`.
+- Volumes are attached as `/dev/vdb` using virtio-blk for high performance.
+- The script checks available disk space before creating the volume.
+- Ownership is set to `socore:socore` with permissions `644`.
+- Without the `-S` flag, the VM remains stopped after volume attachment.
+
+**Description:**
+
+The `so-kvm-create-volume` script creates and attaches NSM storage volumes using the following process:
+
+1. **Pre-flight Checks:**
+   - Validates input parameters (VM name, size)
+   - Checks available disk space in `/nsm/libvirt/volumes/`
+   - Ensures sufficient space for the requested volume size
+
+2. **VM State Management:**
+   - Connects to the local libvirt daemon
+   - Stops the VM if it's currently running
+   - Retrieves current VM configuration
+
+3. **Volume Creation:**
+   - Creates volume directory if it doesn't exist
+   - Uses `qemu-img create` with full pre-allocation
+   - Sets proper ownership (socore:socore) and permissions (644)
+   - Validates volume creation success
+
+4. **Volume Attachment:**
+   - Modifies VM's libvirt XML configuration
+   - Adds disk element with virtio-blk driver
+   - Configures cache='none' and io='native' for performance
+   - Attaches volume as `/dev/vdb`
+
+5. **VM Redefinition:**
+   - Applies the new configuration by redefining the VM
+   - Optionally starts the VM if requested
+   - Emits deployment status events for monitoring
+
+6. **Error Handling:**
+   - Validates all input parameters
+   - Checks disk space before creation
+   - Handles volume creation failures
+   - Handles volume attachment failures
+   - Provides detailed error messages for troubleshooting
+
+**Exit Codes:**
+
+- `0`: Success
+- `1`: An error occurred during execution
+
+**Logging:**
+
+- Logs are written to `/opt/so/log/hypervisor/so-kvm-create-volume.log`
+- Both file and console logging are enabled for real-time monitoring
+- Log entries include timestamps and severity levels
+- Log prefixes: VOLUME:, VM:, HARDWARE:, SPACE:
+- Detailed error messages are logged for troubleshooting
+"""
+
+import argparse
+import sys
+import os
+import libvirt
+import logging
+import socket
+import subprocess
+import pwd
+import grp
+import xml.etree.ElementTree as ET
+from io import StringIO
+from so_vm_utils import start_vm, stop_vm
+from so_logging_utils import setup_logging
+
+# Get hypervisor name from local hostname
+HYPERVISOR = socket.gethostname()
+
+# Volume storage directory
+VOLUME_DIR = '/nsm/libvirt/volumes'
+
+# Custom exception classes
+class InsufficientSpaceError(Exception):
+    """Raised when there is insufficient disk space for volume creation."""
+    pass
+
+class VolumeCreationError(Exception):
+    """Raised when volume creation fails."""
+    pass
+
+class VolumeAttachmentError(Exception):
+    """Raised when volume attachment fails."""
+    pass
+
+# Custom log handler to capture output
+class StringIOHandler(logging.Handler):
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.strio = StringIO()
+
+    def emit(self, record):
+        msg = self.format(record)
+        self.strio.write(msg + '\n')
+
+    def get_value(self):
+        return self.strio.getvalue()
+
+def parse_arguments():
+    """Parse command-line arguments."""
+    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description='Create and attach a virtual volume to a KVM virtual machine for NSM storage.')
+    parser.add_argument('-v', '--vm', required=True, help='Name of the virtual machine to attach the volume to.')
+    parser.add_argument('-s', '--size', type=int, required=True, help='Size of the volume in GB (must be a positive integer).')
+    parser.add_argument('-S', '--start', action='store_true', help='Start the VM after volume creation and attachment.')
+    args = parser.parse_args()
+    
+    # Validate size is positive
+    if args.size <= 0:
+        parser.error("Volume size must be a positive integer.")
+    
+    return args
+
+def check_disk_space(size_gb, logger):
+    """
+    Check if there is sufficient disk space available for volume creation.
+    
+    Args:
+        size_gb: Size of the volume in GB
+        logger: Logger instance
+        
+    Raises:
+        InsufficientSpaceError: If there is not enough disk space
+    """
+    try:
+        stat = os.statvfs(VOLUME_DIR)
+        # Available space in bytes
+        available_bytes = stat.f_bavail * stat.f_frsize
+        # Required space in bytes (add 10% buffer)
+        required_bytes = size_gb * 1024 * 1024 * 1024 * 1.1
+        
+        available_gb = available_bytes / (1024 * 1024 * 1024)
+        required_gb = required_bytes / (1024 * 1024 * 1024)
+        
+        logger.info(f"SPACE: Available: {available_gb:.2f} GB, Required: {required_gb:.2f} GB")
+        
+        if available_bytes < required_bytes:
+            raise InsufficientSpaceError(
+                f"Insufficient disk space. Available: {available_gb:.2f} GB, Required: {required_gb:.2f} GB"
+            )
+        
+        logger.info(f"SPACE: Sufficient disk space available for {size_gb} GB volume")
+        
+    except OSError as e:
+        logger.error(f"SPACE: Failed to check disk space: {e}")
+        raise
+
+def create_volume_file(vm_name, size_gb, logger):
+    """
+    Create a pre-allocated raw disk image for the VM.
+    
+    Args:
+        vm_name: Name of the VM
+        size_gb: Size of the volume in GB
+        logger: Logger instance
+        
+    Returns:
+        Path to the created volume file
+        
+    Raises:
+        VolumeCreationError: If volume creation fails
+    """
+    # Define volume path (directory already created in main())
+    volume_path = os.path.join(VOLUME_DIR, f"{vm_name}-nsm.img")
+    
+    # Check if volume already exists
+    if os.path.exists(volume_path):
+        logger.error(f"VOLUME: Volume already exists: {volume_path}")
+        raise VolumeCreationError(f"Volume already exists: {volume_path}")
+    
+    logger.info(f"VOLUME: Creating {size_gb} GB volume at {volume_path}")
+    
+    # Create volume using qemu-img with full pre-allocation
+    try:
+        cmd = [
+            'qemu-img', 'create',
+            '-f', 'raw',
+            '-o', 'preallocation=full',
+            volume_path,
+            f"{size_gb}G"
+        ]
+        
+        result = subprocess.run(
+            cmd,
+            capture_output=True,
+            text=True,
+            check=True
+        )
+        
+        logger.info(f"VOLUME: Volume created successfully")
+        if result.stdout:
+            logger.debug(f"VOLUME: qemu-img output: {result.stdout.strip()}")
+        
+    except subprocess.CalledProcessError as e:
+        logger.error(f"VOLUME: Failed to create volume: {e}")
+        if e.stderr:
+            logger.error(f"VOLUME: qemu-img error: {e.stderr.strip()}")
+        raise VolumeCreationError(f"Failed to create volume: {e}")
+    
+    # Set ownership to socore:socore
+    try:
+        socore_uid = pwd.getpwnam('socore').pw_uid
+        socore_gid = grp.getgrnam('socore').gr_gid
+        os.chown(volume_path, socore_uid, socore_gid)
+        logger.info(f"VOLUME: Set ownership to socore:socore")
+    except (KeyError, OSError) as e:
+        logger.error(f"VOLUME: Failed to set ownership: {e}")
+        raise VolumeCreationError(f"Failed to set ownership: {e}")
+    
+    # Set permissions to 644
+    try:
+        os.chmod(volume_path, 0o644)
+        logger.info(f"VOLUME: Set permissions to 644")
+    except OSError as e:
+        logger.error(f"VOLUME: Failed to set permissions: {e}")
+        raise VolumeCreationError(f"Failed to set permissions: {e}")
+    
+    # Verify volume was created
+    if not os.path.exists(volume_path):
+        logger.error(f"VOLUME: Volume file not found after creation: {volume_path}")
+        raise VolumeCreationError(f"Volume file not found after creation: {volume_path}")
+    
+    volume_size = os.path.getsize(volume_path)
+    logger.info(f"VOLUME: Volume created: {volume_path} ({volume_size} bytes)")
+    
+    return volume_path
+
+def attach_volume_to_vm(conn, vm_name, volume_path, logger):
+    """
+    Attach the volume to the VM's libvirt XML configuration.
+    
+    Args:
+        conn: Libvirt connection
+        vm_name: Name of the VM
+        volume_path: Path to the volume file
+        logger: Logger instance
+        
+    Raises:
+        VolumeAttachmentError: If volume attachment fails
+    """
+    try:
+        # Get the VM domain
+        dom = conn.lookupByName(vm_name)
+        
+        # Get the XML description of the VM
+        xml_desc = dom.XMLDesc()
+        root = ET.fromstring(xml_desc)
+        
+        # Find the devices element
+        devices_elem = root.find('./devices')
+        if devices_elem is None:
+            logger.error("VM: Could not find <devices> element in XML")
+            raise VolumeAttachmentError("Could not find <devices> element in VM XML")
+        
+        # Log ALL devices with PCI addresses to find conflicts
+        logger.info("DISK_DEBUG: Examining ALL devices with PCI addresses")
+        for device in devices_elem:
+            address = device.find('./address')
+            if address is not None and address.get('type') == 'pci':
+                bus = address.get('bus', 'unknown')
+                slot = address.get('slot', 'unknown')
+                function = address.get('function', 'unknown')
+                logger.info(f"DISK_DEBUG: Device {device.tag}: bus={bus}, slot={slot}, function={function}")
+        
+        # Log existing disk configuration for debugging
+        logger.info("DISK_DEBUG: Examining existing disk configuration")
+        existing_disks = devices_elem.findall('./disk')
+        for idx, disk in enumerate(existing_disks):
+            target = disk.find('./target')
+            source = disk.find('./source')
+            address = disk.find('./address')
+            
+            dev_name = target.get('dev') if target is not None else 'unknown'
+            source_file = source.get('file') if source is not None else 'unknown'
+            
+            if address is not None:
+                slot = address.get('slot', 'unknown')
+                bus = address.get('bus', 'unknown')
+                logger.info(f"DISK_DEBUG: Disk {idx}: dev={dev_name}, source={source_file}, slot={slot}, bus={bus}")
+            else:
+                logger.info(f"DISK_DEBUG: Disk {idx}: dev={dev_name}, source={source_file}, no address element")
+        
+        # Check if vdb already exists
+        for disk in devices_elem.findall('./disk'):
+            target = disk.find('./target')
+            if target is not None and target.get('dev') == 'vdb':
+                logger.error("VM: Device vdb already exists in VM configuration")
+                raise VolumeAttachmentError("Device vdb already exists in VM configuration")
+        
+        logger.info(f"VM: Attaching volume to {vm_name} as /dev/vdb")
+        
+        # Create disk element
+        disk_elem = ET.SubElement(devices_elem, 'disk', attrib={
+            'type': 'file',
+            'device': 'disk'
+        })
+        
+        # Add driver element
+        ET.SubElement(disk_elem, 'driver', attrib={
+            'name': 'qemu',
+            'type': 'raw',
+            'cache': 'none',
+            'io': 'native'
+        })
+        
+        # Add source element
+        ET.SubElement(disk_elem, 'source', attrib={
+            'file': volume_path
+        })
+        
+        # Add target element
+        ET.SubElement(disk_elem, 'target', attrib={
+            'dev': 'vdb',
+            'bus': 'virtio'
+        })
+        
+        # Add address element
+        # Use bus 0x07 with slot 0x00 to ensure NSM volume appears after OS disk (which is on bus 0x04)
+        # Bus 0x05 is used by memballoon, bus 0x06 is used by rng device
+        # Libvirt requires slot <= 0 for non-zero buses
+        # This ensures vda = OS disk, vdb = NSM volume
+        ET.SubElement(disk_elem, 'address', attrib={
+            'type': 'pci',
+            'domain': '0x0000',
+            'bus': '0x07',
+            'slot': '0x00',
+            'function': '0x0'
+        })
+        
+        logger.info(f"HARDWARE: Added disk configuration for vdb")
+        
+        # Log disk ordering after adding new disk
+        logger.info("DISK_DEBUG: Disk configuration after adding NSM volume")
+        all_disks = devices_elem.findall('./disk')
+        for idx, disk in enumerate(all_disks):
+            target = disk.find('./target')
+            source = disk.find('./source')
+            address = disk.find('./address')
+            
+            dev_name = target.get('dev') if target is not None else 'unknown'
+            source_file = source.get('file') if source is not None else 'unknown'
+            
+            if address is not None:
+                slot = address.get('slot', 'unknown')
+                bus = address.get('bus', 'unknown')
+                logger.info(f"DISK_DEBUG: Disk {idx}: dev={dev_name}, source={source_file}, slot={slot}, bus={bus}")
+            else:
+                logger.info(f"DISK_DEBUG: Disk {idx}: dev={dev_name}, source={source_file}, no address element")
+        
+        # Convert XML back to string
+        new_xml_desc = ET.tostring(root, encoding='unicode')
+        
+        # Redefine the VM with the new XML
+        conn.defineXML(new_xml_desc)
+        logger.info(f"VM: VM redefined with volume attached")
+        
+    except libvirt.libvirtError as e:
+        logger.error(f"VM: Failed to attach volume: {e}")
+        raise VolumeAttachmentError(f"Failed to attach volume: {e}")
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.error(f"VM: Failed to attach volume: {e}")
+        raise VolumeAttachmentError(f"Failed to attach volume: {e}")
+
+def emit_status_event(vm_name, status):
+    """
+    Emit a deployment status event.
+    
+    Args:
+        vm_name: Name of the VM
+        status: Status message
+    """
+    try:
+        subprocess.run([
+            'so-salt-emit-vm-deployment-status-event',
+            '-v', vm_name,
+            '-H', HYPERVISOR,
+            '-s', status
+        ], check=True)
+    except subprocess.CalledProcessError as e:
+        # Don't fail the entire operation if status event fails
+        pass
+
+def main():
+    """Main function to orchestrate volume creation and attachment."""
+    # Set up logging using the so_logging_utils library
+    string_handler = StringIOHandler()
+    string_handler.setFormatter(logging.Formatter('%(asctime)s - %(levelname)s - %(message)s'))
+    logger = setup_logging(
+        logger_name='so-kvm-create-volume',
+        log_file_path='/opt/so/log/hypervisor/so-kvm-create-volume.log',
+        log_level=logging.INFO,
+        format_str='%(asctime)s - %(levelname)s - %(message)s'
+    )
+    logger.addHandler(string_handler)
+
+    vm_name = None
+    
+    try:
+        # Parse arguments
+        args = parse_arguments()
+        
+        vm_name = args.vm
+        size_gb = args.size
+        start_vm_flag = args.start
+        
+        logger.info(f"VOLUME: Starting volume creation for VM '{vm_name}' with size {size_gb} GB")
+        
+        # Emit start status event
+        emit_status_event(vm_name, 'Volume Creation')
+        
+        # Ensure volume directory exists before checking disk space
+        try:
+            os.makedirs(VOLUME_DIR, mode=0o755, exist_ok=True)
+            socore_uid = pwd.getpwnam('socore').pw_uid
+            socore_gid = grp.getgrnam('socore').gr_gid
+            os.chown(VOLUME_DIR, socore_uid, socore_gid)
+            logger.debug(f"VOLUME: Ensured volume directory exists: {VOLUME_DIR}")
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.error(f"VOLUME: Failed to create volume directory: {e}")
+            emit_status_event(vm_name, 'Volume Configuration Failed')
+            sys.exit(1)
+        
+        # Check disk space
+        check_disk_space(size_gb, logger)
+        
+        # Connect to libvirt
+        try:
+            conn = libvirt.open(None)
+            logger.info("VM: Connected to libvirt")
+        except libvirt.libvirtError as e:
+            logger.error(f"VM: Failed to open connection to libvirt: {e}")
+            emit_status_event(vm_name, 'Volume Configuration Failed')
+            sys.exit(1)
+        
+        # Stop VM if running
+        dom = stop_vm(conn, vm_name, logger)
+        
+        # Create volume file
+        volume_path = create_volume_file(vm_name, size_gb, logger)
+        
+        # Attach volume to VM
+        attach_volume_to_vm(conn, vm_name, volume_path, logger)
+        
+        # Start VM if -S or --start argument is provided
+        if start_vm_flag:
+            dom = conn.lookupByName(vm_name)
+            start_vm(dom, logger)
+            logger.info(f"VM: VM '{vm_name}' started successfully")
+        else:
+            logger.info("VM: Start flag not provided; VM will remain stopped")
+        
+        # Close connection
+        conn.close()
+        
+        # Emit success status event
+        emit_status_event(vm_name, 'Volume Configuration')
+        
+        logger.info(f"VOLUME: Volume creation and attachment completed successfully for VM '{vm_name}'")
+        
+    except KeyboardInterrupt:
+        error_msg = "Operation cancelled by user"
+        logger.error(error_msg)
+        if vm_name:
+            emit_status_event(vm_name, 'Volume Configuration Failed')
+        sys.exit(1)
+        
+    except InsufficientSpaceError as e:
+        error_msg = f"SPACE: {str(e)}"
+        logger.error(error_msg)
+        if vm_name:
+            emit_status_event(vm_name, 'Volume Configuration Failed')
+        sys.exit(1)
+        
+    except VolumeCreationError as e:
+        error_msg = f"VOLUME: {str(e)}"
+        logger.error(error_msg)
+        if vm_name:
+            emit_status_event(vm_name, 'Volume Configuration Failed')
+        sys.exit(1)
+        
+    except VolumeAttachmentError as e:
+        error_msg = f"VM: {str(e)}"
+        logger.error(error_msg)
+        if vm_name:
+            emit_status_event(vm_name, 'Volume Configuration Failed')
+        sys.exit(1)
+        
+    except Exception as e:
+        error_msg = f"An error occurred: {str(e)}"
+        logger.error(error_msg)
+        if vm_name:
+            emit_status_event(vm_name, 'Volume Configuration Failed')
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+if __name__ == '__main__':
+    main()
+
+{%- else -%}
+
+echo "Hypervisor nodes are a feature supported only for customers with a valid license. \
+      Contact Security Onion Solutions, LLC via our website at https://securityonionsolutions.com \
+      for more information about purchasing a license to enable this feature."
+
+{% endif -%}
diff --git a/salt/kibana/defaults.yaml b/salt/kibana/defaults.yaml
index 645821b6c..078f826a0 100644
--- a/salt/kibana/defaults.yaml
+++ b/salt/kibana/defaults.yaml
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ kibana:
           - default
           - file
     migrations:
-      discardCorruptObjects: "8.18.6"
+      discardCorruptObjects: "8.18.8"
     telemetry:
       enabled: False
     security:
diff --git a/salt/manager/tools/sbin/soup b/salt/manager/tools/sbin/soup
index 52d6e92e9..8c607963f 100755
--- a/salt/manager/tools/sbin/soup
+++ b/salt/manager/tools/sbin/soup
@@ -422,6 +422,7 @@ preupgrade_changes() {
     [[ "$INSTALLEDVERSION" == 2.4.150 ]] && up_to_2.4.160
     [[ "$INSTALLEDVERSION" == 2.4.160 ]] && up_to_2.4.170
     [[ "$INSTALLEDVERSION" == 2.4.170 ]] && up_to_2.4.180
+    [[ "$INSTALLEDVERSION" == 2.4.180 ]] && up_to_2.4.190
     true
 }
 
@@ -602,9 +603,6 @@ post_to_2.4.170() {
 }
 
 post_to_2.4.180() {
-  echo "Regenerating Elastic Agent Installers"
-  /sbin/so-elastic-agent-gen-installers
-
   # Force update to Kafka output policy
   /usr/sbin/so-kafka-fleet-output-policy --force
 
@@ -612,11 +610,24 @@ post_to_2.4.180() {
 }
 
 post_to_2.4.190() {
+    echo "Regenerating Elastic Agent Installers"
+    /sbin/so-elastic-agent-gen-installers
+
     # Only need to update import / eval nodes
     if [[ "$MINION_ROLE" == "import" ]] || [[ "$MINION_ROLE" == "eval" ]]; then
         update_import_fleet_output
     fi
 
+    # Check if expected default policy is logstash (global.pipeline is REDIS or "")
+    pipeline=$(lookup_pillar "pipeline" "global")
+    if [[ -z "$pipeline" ]] || [[ "$pipeline" == "REDIS" ]]; then
+        # Check if this grid is currently affected by corrupt fleet output policy
+        if elastic-agent status | grep "config: key file not configured" > /dev/null 2>&1; then
+            echo "Elastic Agent shows an ssl error connecting to logstash output. Updating output policy..."
+            update_default_logstash_output
+        fi
+    fi
+
   POSTVERSION=2.4.190
 }
 
@@ -876,14 +887,14 @@ up_to_2.4.170() {
 }
 
 up_to_2.4.180() {
-  # Elastic Update for this release, so download Elastic Agent files
-  determine_elastic_agent_upgrade
-
+  echo "Nothing to do for 2.4.180"
   INSTALLEDVERSION=2.4.180
 }
 
 up_to_2.4.190() {
-  echo "Nothing to do for 2.4.190"
+  # Elastic Update for this release, so download Elastic Agent files
+  determine_elastic_agent_upgrade
+
   INSTALLEDVERSION=2.4.190
 }
 
@@ -1173,6 +1184,31 @@ update_import_fleet_output() {
     fi
 }
 
+update_default_logstash_output() {
+    echo "Updating fleet logstash output policy grid-logstash"
+    if logstash_policy=$(curl -K /opt/so/conf/elasticsearch/curl.config -L "http://localhost:5601/api/fleet/outputs/so-manager_logstash" --retry 3 --retry-delay 10 --fail 2>/dev/null); then
+        # Keep already configured hosts for this update, subsequent host updates come from so-elastic-fleet-outputs-update
+        HOSTS=$(echo "$logstash_policy" | jq -r '.item.hosts')
+        DEFAULT_ENABLED=$(echo "$logstash_policy" | jq -r '.item.is_default')
+        DEFAULT_MONITORING_ENABLED=$(echo "$logstash_policy" | jq -r '.item.is_default_monitoring')
+        LOGSTASHKEY=$(openssl rsa -in  /etc/pki/elasticfleet-logstash.key)
+        LOGSTASHCRT=$(openssl x509 -in /etc/pki/elasticfleet-logstash.crt)
+        LOGSTASHCA=$(openssl x509 -in  /etc/pki/tls/certs/intca.crt)
+        JSON_STRING=$(jq -n \
+            --argjson HOSTS "$HOSTS" \
+            --arg DEFAULT_ENABLED "$DEFAULT_ENABLED" \
+            --arg DEFAULT_MONITORING_ENABLED "$DEFAULT_MONITORING_ENABLED" \
+            --arg LOGSTASHKEY "$LOGSTASHKEY" \
+            --arg LOGSTASHCRT "$LOGSTASHCRT" \
+            --arg LOGSTASHCA "$LOGSTASHCA" \
+            '{"name":"grid-logstash","type":"logstash","hosts": $HOSTS,"is_default": $DEFAULT_ENABLED,"is_default_monitoring": $DEFAULT_MONITORING_ENABLED,"config_yaml":"","ssl":{"certificate": $LOGSTASHCRT,"certificate_authorities":[ $LOGSTASHCA ]},"secrets":{"ssl":{"key": $LOGSTASHKEY }}}')
+    fi
+
+    if curl -K /opt/so/conf/elasticsearch/curl.config -L -X PUT "localhost:5601/api/fleet/outputs/so-manager_logstash" -H 'kbn-xsrf: true' -H 'Content-Type: application/json' -d "$JSON_STRING" --retry 3 --retry-delay 10 --fail; then
+        echo "Successfully updated grid-logstash fleet output policy"
+    fi
+}
+
 update_salt_mine() {
     echo "Populating the mine with mine_functions for each host."
     set +e
diff --git a/salt/manager/tools/sbin_jinja/so-salt-cloud b/salt/manager/tools/sbin_jinja/so-salt-cloud
index 0c98750f4..a1f99712a 100644
--- a/salt/manager/tools/sbin_jinja/so-salt-cloud
+++ b/salt/manager/tools/sbin_jinja/so-salt-cloud
@@ -516,23 +516,85 @@ def run_qcow2_modify_hardware_config(profile, vm_name, cpu=None, memory=None, pc
     target = hv_name + "_*"
 
     try:
-        args_list = [
-            'vm_name=' + vm_name,
-            'cpu=' + str(cpu) if cpu else '',
-            'memory=' + str(memory) if memory else '',
-            'start=' + str(start)
-        ]
-
+        args_list = ['vm_name=' + vm_name]
+        
+        # Only add parameters that are actually specified
+        if cpu is not None:
+            args_list.append('cpu=' + str(cpu))
+        if memory is not None:
+            args_list.append('memory=' + str(memory))
+        
         # Add PCI devices if provided
         if pci_list:
             # Pass all PCI devices as a comma-separated list
             args_list.append('pci=' + ','.join(pci_list))
+        
+        # Always add start parameter
+        args_list.append('start=' + str(start))
 
         result = local.cmd(target, 'qcow2.modify_hardware_config', args_list)
         format_qcow2_output('Hardware configuration', result)
     except Exception as e:
         logger.error(f"An error occurred while running qcow2.modify_hardware_config: {e}")
 
+def run_qcow2_create_volume_config(profile, vm_name, size_gb, cpu=None, memory=None, start=False):
+    """Create a volume for the VM and optionally configure CPU/memory.
+    
+    Args:
+        profile (str): The cloud profile name
+        vm_name (str): The name of the VM
+        size_gb (int): Size of the volume in GB
+        cpu (int, optional): Number of CPUs to assign
+        memory (int, optional): Amount of memory in MiB
+        start (bool): Whether to start the VM after configuration
+    """
+    hv_name = profile.split('_')[1]
+    target = hv_name + "_*"
+
+    try:
+        # Step 1: Create the volume
+        logger.info(f"Creating {size_gb}GB volume for VM {vm_name}")
+        volume_result = local.cmd(
+            target,
+            'qcow2.create_volume_config',
+            kwarg={
+                'vm_name': vm_name,
+                'size_gb': size_gb,
+                'start': False  # Don't start yet if we need to configure CPU/memory
+            }
+        )
+        format_qcow2_output('Volume creation', volume_result)
+        
+        # Step 2: Configure CPU and memory if specified
+        if cpu or memory:
+            logger.info(f"Configuring hardware for VM {vm_name}: CPU={cpu}, Memory={memory}MiB")
+            hw_result = local.cmd(
+                target,
+                'qcow2.modify_hardware_config',
+                kwarg={
+                    'vm_name': vm_name,
+                    'cpu': cpu,
+                    'memory': memory,
+                    'start': start
+                }
+            )
+            format_qcow2_output('Hardware configuration', hw_result)
+        elif start:
+            # If no CPU/memory config needed but we need to start the VM
+            logger.info(f"Starting VM {vm_name}")
+            start_result = local.cmd(
+                target,
+                'qcow2.modify_hardware_config',
+                kwarg={
+                    'vm_name': vm_name,
+                    'start': True
+                }
+            )
+            format_qcow2_output('VM startup', start_result)
+            
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.error(f"An error occurred while creating volume and configuring hardware: {e}")
+
 def run_qcow2_modify_network_config(profile, vm_name, mode, ip=None, gateway=None, dns=None, search_domain=None):
     hv_name = profile.split('_')[1]
     target = hv_name + "_*"
@@ -586,6 +648,7 @@ def parse_arguments():
     network_group.add_argument('-c', '--cpu', type=int, help='Number of virtual CPUs to assign.')
     network_group.add_argument('-m', '--memory', type=int, help='Amount of memory to assign in MiB.')
     network_group.add_argument('-P', '--pci', action='append', help='PCI hardware ID(s) to passthrough to the VM (e.g., 0000:c7:00.0). Can be specified multiple times.')
+    network_group.add_argument('--nsm-size', type=int, help='Size in GB for NSM volume creation. Can be used with copper/sfp NICs (--pci). Only disk passthrough (without --nsm-size) prevents volume creation.')
 
     args = parser.parse_args()
 
@@ -621,6 +684,8 @@ def main():
                 hw_config.append(f"{args.memory}MB RAM")
             if args.pci:
                 hw_config.append(f"PCI devices: {', '.join(args.pci)}")
+            if args.nsm_size:
+                hw_config.append(f"NSM volume: {args.nsm_size}GB")
             hw_string = f" and hardware config: {', '.join(hw_config)}" if hw_config else ""
             
             logger.info(f"Received request to create VM '{args.vm_name}' using profile '{args.profile}' {network_config}{hw_string}")
@@ -643,8 +708,58 @@ def main():
             # Step 2: Provision the VM (without starting it)
             call_salt_cloud(args.profile, args.vm_name)
 
-            # Step 3: Modify hardware configuration
-            run_qcow2_modify_hardware_config(args.profile, args.vm_name, cpu=args.cpu, memory=args.memory, pci_list=args.pci, start=True)
+            # Step 3: Determine storage configuration approach
+            # Priority: disk passthrough > volume creation (but volume can coexist with copper/sfp NICs)
+            # Note: virtual_node_manager.py already filters out --nsm-size when disk is present,
+            # so if both --pci and --nsm-size are present here, the PCI devices are copper/sfp NICs
+            use_passthrough = False
+            use_volume_creation = False
+            has_nic_passthrough = False
+            
+            if args.nsm_size:
+                # Validate nsm_size
+                if args.nsm_size <= 0:
+                    logger.error(f"Invalid nsm_size value: {args.nsm_size}. Must be a positive integer.")
+                    sys.exit(1)
+                use_volume_creation = True
+                logger.info(f"Using volume creation with size {args.nsm_size}GB (--nsm-size parameter specified)")
+                
+                if args.pci:
+                    # If both nsm_size and PCI are present, PCI devices are copper/sfp NICs
+                    # (virtual_node_manager.py filters out nsm_size when disk is present)
+                    has_nic_passthrough = True
+                    logger.info(f"PCI devices (copper/sfp NICs) will be passed through along with volume: {', '.join(args.pci)}")
+            elif args.pci:
+                # Only PCI devices, no nsm_size - could be disk or NICs
+                # this script is called by virtual_node_manager and that strips any possibility that nsm_size and the disk pci slot is sent to this script
+                # we might have not specified a disk passthrough or nsm_size, but pass another pci slot and we end up here
+                use_passthrough = True
+                logger.info(f"Configuring PCI device passthrough.(--pci parameter specified without --nsm-size)")
+            
+            # Step 4: Configure hardware based on storage approach
+            if use_volume_creation:
+                # Create volume first
+                run_qcow2_create_volume_config(args.profile, args.vm_name, size_gb=args.nsm_size, cpu=args.cpu, memory=args.memory, start=False)
+                
+                # Then configure NICs if present
+                if has_nic_passthrough:
+                    logger.info(f"Configuring NIC passthrough for VM {args.vm_name}")
+                    run_qcow2_modify_hardware_config(args.profile, args.vm_name, cpu=None, memory=None, pci_list=args.pci, start=True)
+                else:
+                    # No NICs, just start the VM
+                    logger.info(f"Starting VM {args.vm_name}")
+                    run_qcow2_modify_hardware_config(args.profile, args.vm_name, cpu=None, memory=None, pci_list=None, start=True)
+            elif use_passthrough:
+                # Use existing passthrough logic via modify_hardware_config
+                run_qcow2_modify_hardware_config(args.profile, args.vm_name, cpu=args.cpu, memory=args.memory, pci_list=args.pci, start=True)
+            else:
+                # No storage configuration, just configure CPU/memory if specified
+                if args.cpu or args.memory:
+                    run_qcow2_modify_hardware_config(args.profile, args.vm_name, cpu=args.cpu, memory=args.memory, pci_list=None, start=True)
+                else:
+                    # No hardware configuration needed, just start the VM
+                    logger.info(f"No hardware configuration specified, starting VM {args.vm_name}")
+                    run_qcow2_modify_hardware_config(args.profile, args.vm_name, cpu=None, memory=None, pci_list=None, start=True)
 
     except KeyboardInterrupt:
         logger.error("so-salt-cloud: Operation cancelled by user.")
diff --git a/salt/salt/engines/master/virtual_node_manager.py b/salt/salt/engines/master/virtual_node_manager.py
index f09aca751..1c4eae7ea 100644
--- a/salt/salt/engines/master/virtual_node_manager.py
+++ b/salt/salt/engines/master/virtual_node_manager.py
@@ -161,6 +161,7 @@ DEFAULT_BASE_PATH = '/opt/so/saltstack/local/salt/hypervisor/hosts'
 VALID_ROLES = ['sensor', 'searchnode', 'idh', 'receiver', 'heavynode', 'fleet']
 LICENSE_PATH = '/opt/so/saltstack/local/pillar/soc/license.sls'
 DEFAULTS_PATH = '/opt/so/saltstack/default/salt/hypervisor/defaults.yaml'
+HYPERVISOR_PILLAR_PATH = '/opt/so/saltstack/local/pillar/hypervisor/soc_hypervisor.sls'
 # Define the retention period for destroyed VMs (in hours)
 DESTROYED_VM_RETENTION_HOURS = 48
 
@@ -295,16 +296,48 @@ def get_hypervisor_model(hypervisor: str) -> str:
         raise
 
 def load_hardware_defaults(model: str) -> dict:
-    """Load hardware configuration from defaults.yaml."""
+    """Load hardware configuration from defaults.yaml and optionally override with pillar configuration."""
+    config = None
+    config_source = None
+    
     try:
+        # First, try to load from defaults.yaml
+        log.debug("Checking for model %s in %s", model, DEFAULTS_PATH)
         defaults = read_yaml_file(DEFAULTS_PATH)
         if not defaults or 'hypervisor' not in defaults:
             raise ValueError("Invalid defaults.yaml structure")
         if 'model' not in defaults['hypervisor']:
             raise ValueError("No model configurations found in defaults.yaml")
-        if model not in defaults['hypervisor']['model']:
-            raise ValueError(f"Model {model} not found in defaults.yaml")
-        return defaults['hypervisor']['model'][model]
+        
+        # Check if model exists in defaults
+        if model in defaults['hypervisor']['model']:
+            config = defaults['hypervisor']['model'][model]
+            config_source = DEFAULTS_PATH
+            log.debug("Found model %s in %s", model, DEFAULTS_PATH)
+        
+        # Then, try to load from pillar file (if it exists)
+        try:
+            log.debug("Checking for model %s in %s", model, HYPERVISOR_PILLAR_PATH)
+            pillar_config = read_yaml_file(HYPERVISOR_PILLAR_PATH)
+            if pillar_config and 'hypervisor' in pillar_config:
+                if 'model' in pillar_config['hypervisor']:
+                    if model in pillar_config['hypervisor']['model']:
+                        # Override with pillar configuration
+                        config = pillar_config['hypervisor']['model'][model]
+                        config_source = HYPERVISOR_PILLAR_PATH
+                        log.debug("Found model %s in %s (overriding defaults)", model, HYPERVISOR_PILLAR_PATH)
+        except FileNotFoundError:
+            log.debug("Pillar file %s not found, using defaults only", HYPERVISOR_PILLAR_PATH)
+        except Exception as e:
+            log.warning("Failed to read pillar file %s: %s (using defaults)", HYPERVISOR_PILLAR_PATH, str(e))
+        
+        # If model was not found in either file, raise an error
+        if config is None:
+            raise ValueError(f"Model {model} not found in {DEFAULTS_PATH} or {HYPERVISOR_PILLAR_PATH}")
+        
+        log.debug("Using hardware configuration for model %s from %s", model, config_source)
+        return config
+        
     except Exception as e:
         log.error("Failed to load hardware defaults: %s", str(e))
         raise
@@ -633,6 +666,35 @@ def process_vm_creation(hypervisor_path: str, vm_config: dict) -> None:
         except subprocess.CalledProcessError as e:
             logger.error(f"Failed to emit success status event: {e}")
 
+        # Validate nsm_size if present
+        if 'nsm_size' in vm_config:
+            try:
+                size = int(vm_config['nsm_size'])
+                if size <= 0:
+                    log.error("VM: %s - nsm_size must be a positive integer, got: %d", vm_name, size)
+                    mark_invalid_hardware(hypervisor_path, vm_name, vm_config,
+                                        {'nsm_size': 'Invalid nsm_size: must be positive integer'})
+                    return
+                if size > 10000:  # 10TB reasonable maximum
+                    log.error("VM: %s - nsm_size %dGB exceeds reasonable maximum (10000GB)", vm_name, size)
+                    mark_invalid_hardware(hypervisor_path, vm_name, vm_config,
+                                        {'nsm_size': f'Invalid nsm_size: {size}GB exceeds maximum (10000GB)'})
+                    return
+                log.debug("VM: %s - nsm_size validated: %dGB", vm_name, size)
+            except (ValueError, TypeError) as e:
+                log.error("VM: %s - nsm_size must be a valid integer, got: %s", vm_name, vm_config.get('nsm_size'))
+                mark_invalid_hardware(hypervisor_path, vm_name, vm_config,
+                                    {'nsm_size': 'Invalid nsm_size: must be valid integer'})
+                return
+
+        # Check for conflicting storage configurations
+        has_disk = 'disk' in vm_config and vm_config['disk']
+        has_nsm_size = 'nsm_size' in vm_config and vm_config['nsm_size']
+
+        if has_disk and has_nsm_size:
+            log.warning("VM: %s - Both disk and nsm_size specified. disk takes precedence, nsm_size will be ignored.",
+                       vm_name)
+
         # Initial hardware validation against model
         is_valid, errors = validate_hardware_request(model_config, vm_config)
         if not is_valid:
@@ -668,6 +730,11 @@ def process_vm_creation(hypervisor_path: str, vm_config: dict) -> None:
         if 'memory' in vm_config:
             memory_mib = int(vm_config['memory']) * 1024
             cmd.extend(['-m', str(memory_mib)])
+
+        # Add nsm_size if specified and disk is not specified
+        if 'nsm_size' in vm_config and vm_config['nsm_size'] and not ('disk' in vm_config and vm_config['disk']):
+            cmd.extend(['--nsm-size', str(vm_config['nsm_size'])])
+            log.debug("VM: %s - Adding nsm_size parameter: %s", vm_name, vm_config['nsm_size'])
             
         # Add PCI devices
         for hw_type in ['disk', 'copper', 'sfp']:
diff --git a/salt/soc/dyanno/hypervisor/hypervisor.yaml b/salt/soc/dyanno/hypervisor/hypervisor.yaml
index d13c928ec..143a2f5cb 100644
--- a/salt/soc/dyanno/hypervisor/hypervisor.yaml
+++ b/salt/soc/dyanno/hypervisor/hypervisor.yaml
@@ -63,18 +63,22 @@ hypervisor:
         required: true
         readonly: true
         forcedType: int
+      - field: nsm_size
+        label: "Size of virtual disk to create and use for /nsm, in GB. Only applicable if no pass-through disk."
+        forcedType: int
+        readonly: true
       - field: disk
-        label: "Disk(s) for passthrough. Free: FREE | Total: TOTAL"
+        label: "Disk(s) to pass through for /nsm. Free: FREE | Total: TOTAL"
         readonly: true
         options: []
         forcedType: '[]int'
       - field: copper
-        label: "Copper port(s) for passthrough. Free: FREE | Total: TOTAL"
+        label: "Copper port(s) to pass through. Free: FREE | Total: TOTAL"
         readonly: true
         options: []
         forcedType: '[]int'
       - field: sfp
-        label: "SFP port(s) for passthrough. Free: FREE | Total: TOTAL"
+        label: "SFP port(s) to pass through. Free: FREE | Total: TOTAL"
         readonly: true
         options: []
         forcedType: '[]int'
diff --git a/salt/soc/files/bin/salt-relay.sh b/salt/soc/files/bin/salt-relay.sh
index 16c387f86..4fc7d8d3d 100755
--- a/salt/soc/files/bin/salt-relay.sh
+++ b/salt/soc/files/bin/salt-relay.sh
@@ -237,10 +237,22 @@ function manage_salt() {
 
   case "$op" in
     state)
-      log "Performing '$op' for '$state' on minion '$minion'"
       state=$(echo "$request" | jq -r .state)
-      response=$(salt --async "$minion" state.apply "$state" queue=2)
+      async=$(echo "$request" | jq -r .async)
+      if [[ $async == "true" ]]; then
+        log "Performing async '$op' on minion $minion with state '$state'"
+        response=$(salt --async "$minion" state.apply "$state" queue=2)
+      else
+        log "Performing '$op' on minion $minion with state '$state'"
+        response=$(salt "$minion" state.apply "$state")
+      fi
+     
       exit_code=$?
+      if [[ $exit_code -ne 0 && "$response" =~ "is running as PID" ]]; then
+        log "Salt already running: $response ($exit_code)"
+        respond "$id" "ERROR_SALT_ALREADY_RUNNING"
+        return
+      fi
       ;;
     highstate)
       log "Performing '$op' on minion $minion"
@@ -259,7 +271,7 @@ function manage_salt() {
       ;;
   esac
 
-  if [[ exit_code -eq 0 ]]; then
+  if [[ $exit_code -eq 0 ]]; then
     log "Successful command execution: $response"
     respond "$id" "true"
   else
diff --git a/salt/storage/init.sls b/salt/storage/init.sls
index 533366fd0..ab5926bf5 100644
--- a/salt/storage/init.sls
+++ b/salt/storage/init.sls
@@ -4,10 +4,17 @@
 # Elastic License 2.0.
 
 
-{% set nvme_devices = salt['cmd.shell']("find /dev -name 'nvme*n1' 2>/dev/null") %}
+{% set nvme_devices = salt['cmd.shell']("ls /dev/nvme*n1 2>/dev/null || echo ''") %}
+{% set virtio_devices = salt['cmd.shell']("test -b /dev/vdb && echo '/dev/vdb' || echo ''") %}
+
 {% if nvme_devices %}
 
 include:
-  - storage.nsm_mount
+  - storage.nsm_mount_nvme
+
+{% elif virtio_devices %}
+
+include:
+  - storage.nsm_mount_virtio
 
 {% endif %}
diff --git a/salt/storage/nsm_mount.sls b/salt/storage/nsm_mount_nvme.sls
similarity index 87%
rename from salt/storage/nsm_mount.sls
rename to salt/storage/nsm_mount_nvme.sls
index ed9e97c33..a0d317014 100644
--- a/salt/storage/nsm_mount.sls
+++ b/salt/storage/nsm_mount_nvme.sls
@@ -22,8 +22,8 @@ storage_nsm_mount_logdir:
 # Install the NSM mount script
 storage_nsm_mount_script:
   file.managed:
-    - name: /usr/sbin/so-nsm-mount
-    - source: salt://storage/tools/sbin/so-nsm-mount
+    - name: /usr/sbin/so-nsm-mount-nvme
+    - source: salt://storage/tools/sbin/so-nsm-mount-nvme
     - mode: 755
     - user: root
     - group: root
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ storage_nsm_mount_script:
 # Execute the mount script if not already mounted
 storage_nsm_mount_execute:
   cmd.run:
-    - name: /usr/sbin/so-nsm-mount
+    - name: /usr/sbin/so-nsm-mount-nvme
     - unless: mountpoint -q /nsm
     - require:
       - file: storage_nsm_mount_script
diff --git a/salt/storage/nsm_mount_virtio.sls b/salt/storage/nsm_mount_virtio.sls
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..34ca8a883
--- /dev/null
+++ b/salt/storage/nsm_mount_virtio.sls
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+# Copyright Security Onion Solutions LLC and/or licensed to Security Onion Solutions LLC under one
+# or more contributor license agreements. Licensed under the Elastic License 2.0 as shown at
+# https://securityonion.net/license; you may not use this file except in compliance with the
+# Elastic License 2.0.
+
+# Install required packages
+storage_nsm_mount_virtio_packages:
+  pkg.installed:
+    - pkgs:
+      - xfsprogs
+
+# Ensure log directory exists
+storage_nsm_mount_virtio_logdir:
+  file.directory:
+    - name: /opt/so/log
+    - makedirs: True
+    - user: root
+    - group: root
+    - mode: 755
+
+# Install the NSM mount script
+storage_nsm_mount_virtio_script:
+  file.managed:
+    - name: /usr/sbin/so-nsm-mount-virtio
+    - source: salt://storage/tools/sbin/so-nsm-mount-virtio
+    - mode: 755
+    - user: root
+    - group: root
+    - require:
+      - pkg: storage_nsm_mount_virtio_packages
+      - file: storage_nsm_mount_virtio_logdir
+
+# Execute the mount script if not already mounted
+storage_nsm_mount_virtio_execute:
+  cmd.run:
+    - name: /usr/sbin/so-nsm-mount-virtio
+    - unless: mountpoint -q /nsm
+    - require:
+      - file: storage_nsm_mount_virtio_script
diff --git a/salt/storage/tools/sbin/so-nsm-mount b/salt/storage/tools/sbin/so-nsm-mount-nvme
similarity index 99%
rename from salt/storage/tools/sbin/so-nsm-mount
rename to salt/storage/tools/sbin/so-nsm-mount-nvme
index 24125fc40..f612c9915 100644
--- a/salt/storage/tools/sbin/so-nsm-mount
+++ b/salt/storage/tools/sbin/so-nsm-mount-nvme
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@
 
 set -e
 
-LOG_FILE="/opt/so/log/so-nsm-mount.log"
+LOG_FILE="/opt/so/log/so-nsm-mount-nvme.log"
 VG_NAME=""
 LV_NAME="nsm"
 MOUNT_POINT="/nsm"
diff --git a/salt/storage/tools/sbin/so-nsm-mount-virtio b/salt/storage/tools/sbin/so-nsm-mount-virtio
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..8385d7c21
--- /dev/null
+++ b/salt/storage/tools/sbin/so-nsm-mount-virtio
@@ -0,0 +1,171 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+
+# Copyright Security Onion Solutions LLC and/or licensed to Security Onion Solutions LLC under one
+# or more contributor license agreements. Licensed under the Elastic License 2.0 as shown at
+# https://securityonion.net/license; you may not use this file except in compliance with the
+# Elastic License 2.0.
+
+# Usage:
+#     so-nsm-mount-virtio
+#
+# Options:
+#     None - script automatically configures /dev/vdb
+#
+# Examples:
+#     1. Configure and mount virtio-blk device:
+#         ```bash
+#         sudo so-nsm-mount-virtio
+#         ```
+#
+# Notes:
+#     - Requires root privileges
+#     - Mounts /dev/vdb as /nsm
+#     - Creates XFS filesystem if needed
+#     - Configures persistent mount via /etc/fstab
+#     - Safe to run multiple times
+#
+# Description:
+#     This script automates the configuration and mounting of virtio-blk devices
+#     as /nsm in Security Onion virtual machines. It performs these steps:
+#
+# Dependencies:
+#     - xfsprogs: Required for XFS filesystem operations
+#
+#     1. Safety Checks:
+#        - Verifies root privileges
+#        - Checks if /nsm is already mounted
+#        - Verifies /dev/vdb exists
+#
+#     2. Filesystem Creation:
+#        - Creates XFS filesystem on /dev/vdb if not already formatted
+#
+#     3. Mount Configuration:
+#        - Creates /nsm directory if needed
+#        - Adds entry to /etc/fstab for persistence
+#        - Mounts the filesystem as /nsm
+#
+# Exit Codes:
+#     0: Success conditions:
+#        - Device configured and mounted
+#        - Already properly mounted
+#     1: Error conditions:
+#        - Must be run as root
+#        - Device /dev/vdb not found
+#        - Filesystem creation failed
+#        - Mount operation failed
+#
+# Logging:
+#     - All operations logged to /opt/so/log/so-nsm-mount-virtio.log
+
+set -e
+
+LOG_FILE="/opt/so/log/so-nsm-mount-virtio.log"
+DEVICE="/dev/vdb"
+MOUNT_POINT="/nsm"
+
+# Function to log messages
+log() {
+    echo "$(date '+%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S') $1" | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"
+}
+
+# Function to log errors
+log_error() {
+    echo "$(date '+%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S') ERROR: $1" | tee -a "$LOG_FILE" >&2
+}
+
+# Function to check if running as root
+check_root() {
+    if [ "$EUID" -ne 0 ]; then
+        log_error "Must be run as root"
+        exit 1
+    fi
+}
+
+# Main execution
+main() {
+    log "=========================================="
+    log "Starting virtio-blk NSM mount process"
+    log "=========================================="
+    
+    # Check root privileges
+    check_root
+    
+    # Check if already mounted
+    if mountpoint -q "$MOUNT_POINT"; then
+        log "$MOUNT_POINT is already mounted"
+        log "=========================================="
+        exit 0
+    fi
+    
+    # Check if device exists
+    if [ ! -b "$DEVICE" ]; then
+        log_error "Device $DEVICE not found"
+        log "=========================================="
+        exit 1
+    fi
+    
+    log "Found device: $DEVICE"
+    
+    # Get device size
+    local size=$(lsblk -dbn -o SIZE "$DEVICE" 2>/dev/null | numfmt --to=iec)
+    log "Device size: $size"
+    
+    # Check if device has filesystem
+    if ! blkid "$DEVICE" | grep -q 'TYPE="xfs"'; then
+        log "Creating XFS filesystem on $DEVICE"
+        if ! mkfs.xfs -f "$DEVICE" 2>&1 | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"; then
+            log_error "Failed to create filesystem"
+            log "=========================================="
+            exit 1
+        fi
+        log "Filesystem created successfully"
+    else
+        log "Device already has XFS filesystem"
+    fi
+    
+    # Create mount point
+    if [ ! -d "$MOUNT_POINT" ]; then
+        log "Creating mount point $MOUNT_POINT"
+        mkdir -p "$MOUNT_POINT"
+    fi
+    
+    # Add to fstab if not present
+    if ! grep -q "$DEVICE.*$MOUNT_POINT" /etc/fstab; then
+        log "Adding entry to /etc/fstab"
+        echo "$DEVICE $MOUNT_POINT xfs defaults 0 0" >> /etc/fstab
+        log "Entry added to /etc/fstab"
+    else
+        log "Entry already exists in /etc/fstab"
+    fi
+    
+    # Mount the filesystem
+    log "Mounting $DEVICE to $MOUNT_POINT"
+    if mount "$MOUNT_POINT" 2>&1 | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"; then
+        log "Successfully mounted $DEVICE to $MOUNT_POINT"
+        
+        # Verify mount
+        if mountpoint -q "$MOUNT_POINT"; then
+            log "Mount verified successfully"
+            
+            # Display mount information
+            log "Mount details:"
+            df -h "$MOUNT_POINT" | tail -n 1 | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"
+        else
+            log_error "Mount verification failed"
+            log "=========================================="
+            exit 1
+        fi
+    else
+        log_error "Failed to mount $DEVICE"
+        log "=========================================="
+        exit 1
+    fi
+    
+    log "=========================================="
+    log "Virtio-blk NSM mount process completed successfully"
+    log "=========================================="
+    exit 0
+}
+
+# Run main function
+main
diff --git a/salt/zeek/policy/custom/filters/dns b/salt/zeek/policy/custom/filters/dns
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e79032c19
--- /dev/null
+++ b/salt/zeek/policy/custom/filters/dns
@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
+hook DNS::log_policy(rec: DNS::Info, id: Log::ID, filter: Log::Filter)
+    {
+       # Only put a single name per line otherwise there will be memory issues!
+       # If the query comes back blank don't log
+       if (!rec?$query)
+          break;
+
+       # If the query comes back with one of these don't log
+       if (rec?$query && /google.com$/ in rec$query)
+           break;
+
+       # If the query comes back with one of these don't log
+       if (rec?$query && /.apple.com$/ in rec$query)
+           break;
+
+       # Don't log reverse lookups
+       if (rec?$query && /.in-addr.arpa/ in to_lower(rec$query))
+           break;
+
+       # Don't log netbios lookups. This generates a cray amount of logs
+       if (rec?$qtype_name && /NB/ in rec$qtype_name)
+           break;
+    }
+
+event zeek_init()
+{
+    Log::remove_default_filter(DNS::LOG);
+    local filter: Log::Filter = [$name="dns-filter"];
+    Log::add_filter(DNS::LOG, filter);
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/salt/zeek/policy/custom/filters/files b/salt/zeek/policy/custom/filters/files
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..311f37cc2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/salt/zeek/policy/custom/filters/files
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+hook Files::log_policy(rec: Files::Info, id: Log::ID, filter: Log::Filter)
+    {
+       # Turn off a specific mimetype
+           if (rec?$mime_type && ( /soap+xml/ | /json/ | /xml/ | /x509/ )in rec$mime_type)
+               break;
+    }
+
+event zeek_init()
+{
+    Log::remove_default_filter(Files::LOG);
+    local filter: Log::Filter = [$name="files-filter"];
+    Log::add_filter(Files::LOG, filter);
+}
diff --git a/salt/zeek/policy/custom/filters/httphost b/salt/zeek/policy/custom/filters/httphost
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..29c682d33
--- /dev/null
+++ b/salt/zeek/policy/custom/filters/httphost
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+### HTTP filter by host entries by string #####
+ 
+module Filterhttp;
+ 
+export {
+    global remove_host_entries: set[string] = {"www.genevalab.com", "www.google.com"};
+ }
+ 
+hook HTTP::log_policy(rec: HTTP::Info, id: Log::ID, filter: Log::Filter)
+   {
+   # Remove HTTP host entries
+ if ( ! rec?$host || rec$host in remove_host_entries )
+       break;
+   }
+event zeek_init()
+{
+   Log::remove_default_filter(HTTP::LOG);
+   local filter: Log::Filter = [$name="http-filter"];
+   Log::add_filter(HTTP::LOG, filter);
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/salt/zeek/policy/custom/filters/httpuri b/salt/zeek/policy/custom/filters/httpuri
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..9a57cc5ff
--- /dev/null
+++ b/salt/zeek/policy/custom/filters/httpuri
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+### HTTP filter by uri using pattern ####
+ 
+hook HTTP::log_policy(rec: HTTP::Info, id: Log::ID, filter: Log::Filter)
+   {
+   # Remove HTTP uri entries by regex
+ if ( rec?$uri && /^\/kratos\// in rec$uri )
+       break;
+   }
+event zeek_init()
+{
+   Log::remove_default_filter(HTTP::LOG);
+   local filter: Log::Filter = [$name="http-filter"];
+   Log::add_filter(HTTP::LOG, filter);
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/salt/zeek/policy/custom/filters/ssl b/salt/zeek/policy/custom/filters/ssl
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e7be0f768
--- /dev/null
+++ b/salt/zeek/policy/custom/filters/ssl
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+### Log filter by JA3S md5 hash:
+hook SSL::log_policy(rec: SSL::Info, id: Log::ID, filter: Log::Filter)
+    {
+       # SSL log filter Ja3s by md5           
+           if (rec?c$ssl$ja3s_cipher && ( /623de93db17d313345d7ea481e7443cf/ )in rec$c$ssl$ja3s_cipher)
+               break;
+    }
+
+event zeek_init()
+{
+    Log::remove_default_filter(SSL::LOG);
+    local filter: Log::Filter = [$name="ssl-filter"];
+    Log::add_filter(SSL::LOG, filter);
+}
+
+### Log filter by server name:
+hook SSL::log_policy(rec: SSL::Info, id: Log::ID, filter: Log::Filter)
+  {
+    # SSL log filter by server name
+    if (rec?$server_name && ( /api.github.com$/ ) in rec$server_name)
+       break;
+  }
+
+event zeek_init()
+{
+   Log::remove_default_filter(SSL::LOG);
+   local filter: Log::Filter = [$name="ssl-filter"];
+   Log::add_filter(SSL::LOG, filter);
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/salt/zeek/policy/custom/filters/tunnel b/salt/zeek/policy/custom/filters/tunnel
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..dd58caa4d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/salt/zeek/policy/custom/filters/tunnel
@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+global tunnel_subnet: set[subnet]={
+									
+	10.19.0.0/24
+			
+};
+
+hook Tunnel::log_policy(rec: Tunnel::Info, id: Log::ID, Filter: Log::Filter)
+	{
+	if (rec$id$orig_h in tunnel_subnet || rec$id$resp_h in tunnel_subnet)
+		break;
+	}
+event zeek_init()
+{
+    Log::remove_default_filter(Tunnel::LOG);
+    local filter: Log::Filter = [$name="tunnel-filter"];
+    Log::add_filter(Tunnel::LOG, filter);
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/salt/zeek/soc_zeek.yaml b/salt/zeek/soc_zeek.yaml
index b3b655083..929b9debd 100644
--- a/salt/zeek/soc_zeek.yaml
+++ b/salt/zeek/soc_zeek.yaml
@@ -61,6 +61,48 @@ zeek:
           global: True
           advanced: True
           duplicates: True
+        dns:
+          description: DNS Filter for Zeek. This is an advanced setting and will take further action to enable.
+          helpLink: zeek.html
+          file: True
+          global: True
+          advanced: True
+          duplicates: True
+        files:
+          description: Files Filter for Zeek. This is an advanced setting and will take further action to enable.
+          helpLink: zeek.html
+          file: True
+          global: True
+          advanced: True
+          duplicates: True
+        httphost:
+          description: HTTP Hosts Filter for Zeek. This is an advanced setting and will take further action to enable.
+          helpLink: zeek.html
+          file: True
+          global: True
+          advanced: True
+          duplicates: True
+        httpuri:
+          description: HTTP URI Filter for Zeek. This is an advanced setting and will take further action to enable.
+          helpLink: zeek.html
+          file: True
+          global: True
+          advanced: True
+          duplicates: True
+        ssl:
+          description: SSL Filter for Zeek. This is an advanced setting and will take further action to enable.
+          helpLink: zeek.html
+          file: True
+          global: True
+          advanced: True
+          duplicates: True
+        tunnel:
+          description: Tunnel Filter for Zeek. This is an advanced setting and will take further action to enable.
+          helpLink: zeek.html
+          file: True
+          global: True
+          advanced: True
+          duplicates: True
   file_extraction:
     description: Contains a list of file or MIME types Zeek will extract from the network streams. Values must adhere to the following format - {"MIME_TYPE":"FILE_EXTENSION"}
     forcedType: "[]{}"