Virtual Private Network (VPN) Technology
Virtual private network (VPN) is one of the most popular remote access methodologies especially with the work from home concept. The VPN technology extends a private network across a public network and enables users to send and receive data across public networks as if their computing devices were directly connected to the private network. VPNs are commonly used to secure connections to public Wi-Fi hotspots, hide IP addresses, and make your browsing private.
Software applications running at an end-user system such as PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc using VPN may benefit from the functionality, security, and management of the private network.
VPN technology allows remote users and branch offices to access corporate applications and resources in a safe manner. To ensure data security, the private network connection is established using an encrypted layered tunneling protocol and VPN users use authentication methods, including passwords or certificates, to gain access to the VPN.
VPN Methodology
Method 1: Site to Site
Method 2: Client to Site (Remote access VPN)
While the above two are popular methods, there are others that include Mobile VPN, Hardware VPN & VPN gateway appliances.
Encryption is a fundamental part of a VPN connection and to ensure data traffic security, several types of VPN protocols are used such as IP security, SSL, and PPTP. Robust security inbuilt with VPN is the reason for many corporations using this technology for safe data access for their users.
2FA or 2-factor authentication is available with most of the latest VPN’s. With modern-day Firewalls inbuilt with UTM features (Ultimate Threat Management) VPN has become an integrated part of today’s remote connection needs.
VPN Protocols
VPN protocols should have an appropriate level of security to connected systems while the underlying network infrastructure alone cannot provide it. There are several different protocols being used to secure and encrypt data between users and corporate IT systems. They include:
- IP security (IPsec)
- Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS)
- Point-To-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP)
- Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP)
- OpenVPN
VPN Vendors
RAMMP IT has been providing Virtual Private Network solutions for our clients ever since our inception. Popular VPN solutions we offer are from Fortinet, CISCO, Juniper & WatchGuard.
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