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

The Web Challenge


Many companies have a business need to access legacy applications securely from remote locations. SSL VPN seems ideal as the remote access technology with the lowest total cost of ownership. But how exactly does SSL VPN technology provide access to legacy applications?

SSL VPN solves this challenge by using the following two methods: direct access and middleware access.

Direct Access

SSL VPNs can provide direct access to a large variety of applications. Direct access via an SSL VPN may eliminate the need for server-based 'middleware' and other types of remote access systems and associated remote-access clients. Direct SSL VPN access into a trusted network, as shown in the following diagram, provides connectivity to many Web-based intranet applications.

SSL VPN direct access can also provide connectivity to non Web-enabled legacy applications. These applications can exist on AS/400, Windows, Unix/Linux systems, and other types of platforms. Some SSL VPN appliances connect to...