Introducing the Key VPN Security Technologies

If you want high security for your data communications, Virtual Private Networks (VPN) is your answer. When you have a secure VPN, you will get network authentication and encryption.

IP Security (IPsec) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) are two of the most commonly used secure network protocol suites in VPNs. Both use encryption to secure data in transit.

IPsec VPN Security

IPsec is designed to secure data communication by using cryptography. You will get all of the security that cryptography offers including integrity and confidentiality of data, along with authentication of endpoints hosts.

By combining authentication and integrity, it provides non-repudiation. It can also help you to detect replay attacks.  

IPsec is traditionally used in securing corporate networks. Network appliances for Enterprises made by companies like Juniper and Cisco make use of vital VPN server functions in their hardware. They then use the corresponding VPN software belonging to clients to log in.

IPsec is basically a modified form of IP implementation under the IP/TCP protocol suite. This means the kernel of the operating systems is modified. You shouldn’t worry about this because your operating system will support IPsec unless you are using something antique.

SSL VPN Security

SSL VPN is an alternative to IPsec, and it relies on a Web browser instead of the clients who need to log in to their custom VPN private network. SSL VPN is intended to be a cheaper alternative to IPsec VPN both in set up and in maintenance. It becomes affordable by making use of the SSL network protocols that are built into the standard web servers and web browsers.

In addition, SSL gives more options to administrators to control their access to the network resources by operating at a higher level. However, it can be difficult to configure an SSL VPN to access resources that are not normally accessed through a web browser.

A web server needs an SSL certificate to create an SSL connection. When activating an SSL in your web server, you will be asked to answer a number of questions regarding the identity of your company and website.

WiFi vs. VPN  

If you have been at a coffee shop, hotel or airport recently, chances are you’ve found yourself right in the middle of a wireless network. WiFi is commonly used to connect to computers or with another mobile device.

Some organizations use IPsec or SSL VPN to secure their local WiFi network from intruders. Using WiFi security protocols like WPA-AES and WPA2 will provide necessary encryption and authentication without any additional support from a VPN.