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

Standardized Feature Sets


One important point to realize is that although early versions of SSL VPN products offered greatly varied feature sets, today's leading offerings have relatively similar features. This is especially true when comparing features on paper (that is, as listed in marketing materials).

Part of the maturation process of each individual product is for its vendor to give it the ability to deliver the capabilities that the market demands, which often entails duplicating the functionality of competing offerings. As a result, the definition of what a product must offer to be considered an 'SSL VPN' is becoming increasingly clear and standardized with the passage of time.

Nonetheless, as was alluded to in earlier chapters, the underlying technology implementing the various features differs greatly from product to product. Such differences may affect the ease and speed at which a vendor can introduce desired features into its offering. As a result, as time passes, it is growing...