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

Interfaces


Another important trend to be aware of while investing in an SSL VPN is that SSL VPNs are now beginning to offer interfaces for both, extending their capabilities and for integrating them with third-party products. These interfaces fall into several categories. Among these are:

  • Third-party security interfaces

  • Application interfaces

  • Logging and reporting interfaces

Third-Party Security System Interfaces

One clear trend that has begun to develop is for SSL VPNs to offer interfaces to integrate with third-party security products. Security-related interfaces fall into several categories.

Authentication Systems

Authentication system interfaces allow organizations deploying SSL VPN technology to leverage existing authentication infrastructure and strong authentication systems such as RSA's SecurID. These systems were discussed in detail in Chapter 3. Such capabilities have been around since the early days of SSL VPN, and are not a new development. However, the one change that has come about...