SSL VPN : Understanding, evaluating and planning secure, web-based remote access

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.

Type
ebook
Category
Cloud & Networking
publication date
2005-03-09
what you will learn

How SSL VPN technology works, and how it fits into existing network architectures

Evaluating SSL VPN for your organization

Understand what to look out for when talking to vendors

How to plan an SSL VPN implementation for your business

Educate staff to maintain SSL VPN security

Strategies for providing access to internal legacy applications via SSL VPN

A heads-up on likely trends and possibilities for the future of SSL VPN

no of pages
212
duration
424
key features
Understand how SSL VPN technology works * * Evaluate how SSL VPN could fit into your organisation?s security strategy * * Practical advice on educating users, integrating legacy systems, and eliminating security loopholes * * Written by experienced SSL VPN and data security professionals
approach
The book blends technically rigorous descriptions with a friendly approach based on practical examples and scenarios. The authors write in clear, informal language and make extensive use of diagrams and images. The book begins with an overview of SSL VPN?s purpose, and the technical and business trends that are making it popular today. It then looks at how SSL VPNs work and how they fit into existing network plans. The effect of SSL VPN on the wider business environment is then considered, before looking at how SSL VPN technology is likely to develop in the future.
audience
This book aimed at IT network professionals and managers who are currently evaluating SSL VPN technologies. It requires a broad understanding of networking concepts, but does not require specific and detailed technical knowledge of protocols or vendor implementations.
meta description
A comprehensive overview of SSL VPN technologies and design strategies
subtitle
Understanding, evaluating and planning secure, web-based remote access
keywords
SSL; VPN; Virtual Private Networks; Clientless VPN; Web Based Remote Access; SSL VPN Appliance; Secure Remote Access; Web Security Appliance; VPN Architecture; Secure Socket Layer Networking; SSL Networks; Secure Networks;
Product ISBN
9781904811077