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

Chapter 4. SSL VPN Security

SSL VPNs serve as gateways into corporate infrastructure and as such, security is a critical component of any SSL VPN offering. So important are the security-related capabilities of SSL VPN products that the differences in the security features set across products often determine which SSL VPN an enterprise will choose to deploy.

SSL VPN security falls into three categories:

  • Authentication and Authorization: Users gain access to valuable information and systems through the SSL VPN. Because of this, it is critical to ensure that only authorized users access resources through the SSL VPN and that individual users access only those resources that they are supposed to access.

  • Endpoint Security: Endpoint security is sometimes known as Client-Side Security or Browser-Side Security. It refers to technology implemented to prevent any security-related problems occurring on devices used to access resources via the SSL VPN. It is important to realize that as opposed to earlier...