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

Planning for Deployment


Although no generic task list can serve as a true checklist to be used for preparing to implement an SSL VPN, the following is a list of several items that demand consideration during design stages, but which can be easily overlooked:

  • Externally accessible IP addresses—one per SSL VPN portal: Security technologies such as Network Address Translation may allow an internal IP number to be used. Also, if Air Gap technology is used, the implementation may require an appropriate IP number for each server. If multiple SSL VPN servers will be used in conjunction with a load balancer then the single Internet-accessible virtual IP number will need to be known as will the real IP numbers of the SSL VPN servers.

  • Externally accessible DNS name—one per SSL VPN portal: If a load balancer is being used then the externally accessible DNS name for accessing the SSL VPN will need to be known, as well as any DNS names of the real SSL VPN servers (the latter may not be needed if those...