The term SSL VPN is used to refer to a new and fast-growing product category comprised of a variety of technologies. To broadly define what products and technologies are within this category, one can begin with the term VPN itself. VPN, or Virtual Private Network, refers to the practice of using a public network like the Internet to transmit private data.
SSL VPNs use SSL/HTTPS which is available without additional software deployment on all standard Web browsers as a secure transport mechanism. Using an SSL VPN, the connection between the mobile user and the internal resource happens via a Web connection at the application-layer, as opposed to IPSec VPNs open tunnel at the network-layer.
The use of SSL is ideal for the mobile user because:
SSL does not need to be downloaded onto the device being used to access corporate resources.
SSL does not need to be configured by the end user.
SSL is available wherever there is a standard Web browser, so users dont need a company laptop.
SSL port 443 is usually open on a corporate firewall meaning that no additional configuration is required.
SSL is familiar to most users, even those without a technical background. It is already installed on any Internet-enabled device that uses a standard Web browser, and no configuration is necessary. SSL operates at the application-layer, independent of any operating system, so changes to the OS do not require an update in the SSL implementation. And because SSL VPNs operate at the application-layer, it is possible to offer extremely granular access controls-to applications, making it ideal for mobile workers and those users coming from an insecure end-point.
General FAQ
About SSL-Explorer
Print
Add Comment