SSL and VPN What does it mean?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a protocol developed by Netscape to secure transmission of data between a client and a server. It was soon adopted by the likes of Microsoft Internet Explorer and other leading web browsers, providing a secure means to transact data in an encrypted format over the Internet, more commonly seen with e-commerce sites to receive credit card payments for shopping.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a private communications network usually used within a company or several companies that have a need to share information over a public network. VPN traffic is carried over the Internet using standard (often insecure) protocols.
What is the fuss with SSL VPN?
SSL VPN technology has existed for several years, but only in the last year the market has literally exploded with low-cost devices specifically designed. The likes of Juniper, Nortel, Cisco and now they have developed these low cost SSL based VPN solutions for different types of companies, including SMEs.
SSL VPNs work at the application layer. Unlike IPSec VPNs are much less complicated to install, support and maintain. As they work with most modern web browsers without requiring software to be configured and are not limited to a particular computer. Also, almost all corporate networks worldwide, including those with strict firewall policies allow web traffic, including SSL port, SSL VPN being used by mobile workers are almost guaranteed to work in all environments. This is one of the most common falls in IPSec VPN technology that struggles for NAT environments. Another benefit with SSL VPN gives the administrator control over user access to a well-defined list of applications.
Summary of benefits:
1. Low TCO
2. Endpoint security in different settings (for example, if there is no antivirus in mobile equipment, only allow access to the extranet)
3. No client (web browser, SSL VPN access to shared folders, applications and extranet resources)
4. The customer demand for complete access network layer
5. Helps secure thin client access in the public domain (Citrix, Terminal Services published on the website)
6. By user or group control the application list
What should I do now?
1. Understanding your business goals and what they are trying to accomplish with your VPN solution
2. Consider which applications and services intended to provide more of its VPN solutions and understand the options available VPN.
3. Understand the requirements of security and VPN services solutions and determine which VPN products provide these
4. Consider whether you should be implementing additional security safeguards to further protect your VPN solution
SSL-based VPN solutions are very affordable and ensure that mobile workers can access critical business information from almost any device anywhere in the world. They easily simplicity and availability when implemented in a well planned and thought out manner and to help achieve an environment free from problems of remote access to critical data.
mobile specialists and security of SSI are available to provide security and mobile solutions for enterprises of all sizes covering consultancy, planning, implementation, support and user training.
September 23, 2010, 04:01:24 AM