SSL VPNs provide administrators with granular access control for network resources. However, these connections are made through a web portal and are only compatible with browser-based applications.
This can allow unauthorized users to use brute-force dictionary attacks on the system to gain remote access. Additionally, if a remote employee has outdated antivirus software installed on their device, they could spread malware to the organization’s network.
Encryption
With an SSL tunnel VPN, users connect to the network via a web portal and then use their browsers to securely access applications and other resources. To the user, it appears as if they are connected directly to the private network.
Unlike tunneling security protocols requiring additional software, such as L2TP or IP security (IPsec), SSL VPN solutions are based on widely-used web clients so that they can be installed and configured without a dedicated client program. This simplifies management and reduces the overall security risk of a remote connection.
In addition, SSL VPNs can provide granular security controls to restrict the access types allowed for specific users. This will enable businesses to avoid exploiting one data breach across the entire enterprise system.
SSL Tunnel VPNs can also be used to securely connect to other networks, network services, and applications that aren’t web-based. This allows remote users to access multiple applications simultaneously securely and save on bandwidth costs.
The main challenge with an SSL Tunnel VPN is that the solution requires a browser to work. This can expose the user to a range of other vulnerabilities that may be present in the browser, such as malware. Lanwork HIGHLY recommends deploying Two Factor Authentication on your SSL VPN appliance.
Authentication
Authentication is a vital part of any VPN, especially SSL-based ones. Often referred to as Posture Checking, Endpoint Security, or Client-Side Security, this feature allows for facets of an end-user PC, such as patching and antivirus updates, software certificates, and jailbroken devices, to be checked against a central security policy before a connection is allowed to begin. This helps protect against simple password “cracking” attacks and eavesdropping.
SSL VPNs are also designed to support two-factor authentication. This is important because many employees use their smartphones and tablets to access corporate network resources when they are on the go. To make the most of their mobile workforce, companies need to be able to securely connect to their network without having to manage individual devices.
Unlike IPSec VPN systems that require specific drivers and software installations, SSL solutions work across a wide range of platforms and devices with minimal hardware requirements. This is thanks to a combination of TLS technology and web browsers with built-in support for this protocol. SSL VPN solutions can be updated and maintained much faster than their IPSec counterparts because they are bundled directly with web clients rather than installed as a separate applications. Moreover, they offer a more user-friendly interface since users don’t need to install additional software or navigate complex configuration files.
Privacy
Unlike an IPSec VPN that requires specific client software to install, an SSL Tunnel VPN only requires a modern web browser. This makes it much easier for employees to use because they don’t have to download and install any additional applications on their devices. This also helps to reduce the risk of malware attacks on a device, such as man-in-the-middle attacks that target browsers and steal personal data.
An SSL VPN is particularly good at providing privacy because it only connects to the network via the browser. This means it doesn’t leave the device susceptible to keyloggers, which can capture passwords and other confidential information. It also allows employees to access company resources on their own devices rather than using a corporate computer that could be vulnerable to malware attacks and other threats.
Many organizations allow their employees to work from home, leading to a rise in the need for secure remote access solutions. This is where SSL Tunnel VPNs come into their own, as they can be easily implemented to access internal web-based applications. They can also be configured to support port redirection, reverse proxy, and Application Tunneling. These methods allow the SSL VPN gateway to determine whether an application is web-based, forward the request to the appropriate server, or encapsulate it in an SSL tunnel that passes it on to the proper software application.
Speed
An SSL VPN uses a standard SSL protocol, which most devices already support, to make secure connections. The protocols run over port 443, which is open on most networks, so bypassing firewalls and other forms of censorship blocking traffic based on ports is easy. This makes getting a fast and reliable connection easier for employees who use their home Internet for work or students who study in cafés or other public places.
Most of today’s business applications are hosted in the cloud, and many organizations allow their employees to access these applications from anywhere on any device with an internet connection. As such, SSL VPNs are increasingly crucial for businesses and schools to provide their staff and students with a safe internet experience and keep their sensitive data and internal networks protected from cyberattacks.
SSL VPNs are also scalable and convenient to use. They use a simple web portal to authenticate users and then create a tunnel between their device and the VPN gateway, which can connect to multiple remote websites and network services at once on their behalf. The gateway can also filter outgoing network traffic, for example, by using an inline Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) or Anti-X module to scan for malware and other threats. The gateway can then block or replace the traffic with benign content, preventing worms and malicious code from spreading through the tunnel.