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

Selecting an Appropriate SSL VPN


An SSL VPN is a strategic investment and investing in one demands proper attention to be paid to the selection of an appropriate product. Today, the official feature sets of most major SSL VPN products seem to have begun to converge. This leads some people to form an initial impression that the major distinction between the various products is the label on the front of the appliances. This, however, is most definitely not the case. Much as feature matrixes may look similar in marketing collaterals and on vendor websites, the nature of the underlying technology used by the various products often introduces substantial differences between the offerings. The strengths and weaknesses of each product must be compared against the business requirements of an organization before considering deployment and an appropriate solution should be selected accordingly.

Of course, it is also essential to factor in the solvency and trustworthiness of the vendor offering each...