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

Determining Business Requirements


Technology is a tool that can be used to help people achieve business goals; as such, specific technology selections should always be based on business requirements and not vice versa. It is critical to define what objectives an organization wishes to address and based on such requirements, select an appropriate technical tool. The case of SSL VPNs is no exception to this rule.

Remote Access Paradigms

Remote Access needs often encompass two major categories of communications—Site-to-Site and User-to-Site.

  • Site-to-Site: Organizations with multiple locations often want to merge multiple remote networks into what appears to be one big network. Rather than paying for expensive private links between various sites, companies can use VPN technology to create secure communication channels over the Internet and thereby link their various offices together. VPN connectivity between the Local Area Networks at each location is often implemented by means of special software...