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

So What Does SSL VPN Actually Give Me?


The following matrix illustrates how various remote-access technologies SSL VPN meet the value criteria discussed earlier in this chapter.

 

Dial Up

Leased Lines

IPSEC VPN

SSL VPN

Who

Limited to users who have computers the organization will allow to be connected to its network

Typically only a very small number of special users for whom the cost can be justified (e.g., the CEO)

Only users with special computers with special software. Limited to users who have computers the organization will allow to be connected to its network

All users

From Where

From anywhere the user has access to a modem line

From one location—the endpoint of the leased line

From the special computers using any Internet connection

From essentially any Internet connected device

What

Only resources that are not bandwidth intensive

Most internal resources

Most internal resources

Most internal resources

Cost

High

Very high

High

Low

In short, it is clear from the...