Book Image

OpenVPN: Building and Integrating Virtual Private Networks

Book Image

OpenVPN: Building and Integrating Virtual Private Networks

Overview of this book

OpenVPN is a powerful, open source SSL VPN application. It can secure site-to-site connections, WiFi and enterprise-scale remote connections. While being a full-featured VPN solution, OpenVPN is easy to use and does not suffer from the complexity that characterizes other IPSec VPN implementations. It uses the secure and stable TLS/SSL mechanisms for authentication and encryption. This book is an easy introduction to this popular VPN application. After introducing the basics of security and VPN, the book moves on to cover using OpenVPN, from installing it on various platforms, through configuring basic tunnels, to more advanced features, such as using the application with firewalls, routers, proxy servers, and OpenVPN scripting. While providing only necessary theoretical background, the book takes a practical approach, presenting plenty of examples.
Table of Contents (17 chapters)
OpenVPN
Credits
About the Author
About the Reviewers
Preface
Index

Chapter 2. VPN Security

In this chapter, we will discuss goals and techniques concerning VPN security. These two terms are linked together very closely. Without security, a VPN is not private anymore.

Therefore, we will first have a look at basic security issues and guiding measures to be taken in a company. Information on symmetric and asymmetric keying methods, key exchange techniques, and the problem of security versus simplicity pave the way for SSL/TLS security and a closer look at SSL certificates. After having read this chapter, you will be prepared to understand the underlying security concerns of OpenVPN (and any other VPN solution).