Book Image

SSL VPN : Understanding, evaluating and planning secure, web-based remote access

Book Image

SSL VPN : Understanding, evaluating and planning secure, web-based remote access

Overview of this book

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide remote workers with secure access to their company network via the internet by encrypting all data sent between the company network and the user?s machine (the client). Before SSL VPN this typically required the client machine to have special software installed, or at least be specially configured for the purpose. Clientless SSL VPNs avoid the need for client machines to be specially configured. Any computer with a Web browser can access SSL VPN systems. This has several benefits: Low admin costs, no remote configuration Users can safely access the company network from any machine, be that a public workstation, a palmtop or mobile phone By pass ISP restrictions on custom VPNs by using standard technologies SSL VPN is usually provided by a hardware appliance that forms part of the company network. These appliances act as gateways, providing internal services such as file shares, email servers, and applications in a web based format encrypted using SSL. Existing players and new entrants, such as Nokia, Netilla, Symantec, Whale Communications, and NetScreen technologies, are rushing our SSL VPN products to meet growing demand. This book provides a detailed technical and business introduction to SSL VPN. It explains how SSL VPN devices work along with their benefits and pitfalls. As well as covering SSL VPN technologies, the book also looks at how to authenticate and educate users ? a vital element in ensuring that the security of remote locations is not compromised. The book also looks at strategies for making legacy applications accessible via the SSL VPN.
Table of Contents (14 chapters)
SSL VPN
Credits
About the Authors
Introduction
A Review of TCP, IP, and Ports

End Point Security Concerns


Endpoint security concerns include:

  • Sensitive data remaining in insecure locations

  • Users neglecting to log out

  • Viruses reaching internal networks the SSL VPN

  • Worms reaching internal networks via tunnels created by the SSL VPN

  • Hackers accessing the corporate network by bridging networks via the SSL VPN

The Problem: Sensitive Data in Insecure Locations

During the course of a remote access session, users may download proprietary, sensitive, or confidential information to the devices that they use for access. Although private data was certainly stored on access devices during the era of earlier remote-access technologies, such data maintenance was not a problem as users gained access only from corporate devices assigned to them. Such devices were intended to store sensitive information. However, with the advent of SSL VPN and the expectation that users will access corporate resources from public or borrowed computers, storage of data on devices used for access poses a serious...