This book is a business and technical overview of SSL VPN technology in a highly readable style. It provides a vendor-neutral introduction to SSL VPN technology for system architects, analysts and managers engaged in evaluating and planning an SSL VPN implementation.

Visit the Free Online Edition for SSL VPN and learn more about the book, you can read through a full chapter, "How SSL VPNs Work", and discover what each chapter from this book has in store.

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In Detail

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.

What you will learn from this book

• 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

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.

Who this book is written for

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.

Author(s)

Timothy Speed is an IBM Certified IT Architect working for the IBM Lotus Brand (ISSL). Tim has been involved in Internet and messaging security since 1992. He also participated with the Domino infrastructure team at the Nagano Olympics and with the Lotus Notes systems for the Sydney Olympics. His certifications include CISSP, MCSE, A+ Plus Security from CompTIA, Lotus Domino CLP Principal Administrator, and Lotus Domino CLP Principal Developer. (Notes/Domino certifications in R3, R4, R5, and ND6)

Tim has also co-authored four books:

The Internet Security Guidebook, ISBN: 0122374711, February, 2001.

The Personal Internet Security Guidebook, ISBN: 0126565619, October, 2001

Enterprise Directory and Security Implementation Guide: Designing and Implementing Directories in Your Organization, ISBN:0121604527

Joseph Steinberg is CEO of Green Armor Solutions, an information-systems security product vendor specializing in technology that combats phishing, pharming, and online fraud. Prior to joining Green Armor, he spent more than four years with Whale Communications, one of the pioneers of SSL VPN technology. Earlier, he served in senior-management capacities at several product vendors and consulting firms, and worked in technical positions at Citibank and AT&T.

Mr. Steinberg's May 2003 article 'SSL VPN Security' introduced an awareness of critical security issues created by SSL VPN technology; since its publication, nearly every SSL VPN vendor has acted upon the concerns and recommendations made in the article.

Mr. Steinberg earned an M.S. in Computer Science from NYU, and holds a CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) credential as well as advanced certifications in IT security management (ISSMP) and architecture (ISSAP). He has lectured on topics related to IT Security and Management and is the author of numerous articles in various journals, magazines, and other publications.

A recognized expert on IT security, he is also interviewed on a regular basis by media personalities and sits on panels discussing IT-security related matters.

Mr. Steinberg lives in the suburbs of New York City with his wife and two daughters.