In light of the increasing cybersecurity threats, safeguarding our digital data has become crucial. VPNs play a significant role in defending against cyber-attacks through encryption methods. Let's delve into what VPN is, its various types, and the protocols it employs.
What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that allows users to have a secure connection to the internet. It creates a secured and encrypted tunnel for data transmission, making it impossible for attackers to eavesdrop on the network. VPN hides the IP address and provides a private and secure connection between the source and destination over a public network.
Virtual Private Networks (VPN) are categorized into two main types: Remote Access VPN and Site-to-site VPN.
• Remote Access VPN
The Remote access VPN is designed to connect remote users securely to the organization’s network. It enables users to connect with the remote network using the software. To log in to your office network, you have to use a remote access VPN. Thus, it makes the connection safer and more accessible for employees working from anywhere.
• Site-to-site VPN
The site-to-site VPN is designed to connect the networks of two geographically distributed sites. Businesses or organizations most commonly use this type of VPN. It enables users in various locations to connect with their networks securely. Organizations with branch offices in other locations use Site-to-site VPN to connect with their respective branch offices.
Types of VPN Protocols
The following are the different types of VPN Protocols:
• Point–to–Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP)
Point–to–Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) is a network protocol used to create a VPN tunnel using Generic Routing Encapsulation, TCP, and IP ports. It provides a secured and encrypted connection over the internet and is easy to set up and configure on most operating systems.
• Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP)
Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) is a tunneling protocol that enables VPN with Internet Service Providers (ISPs). It is used with another VPN protocol, such as IPsec, to provide strong encryption and secure connection over the tunnel.
• Internet Protocol Security (IPsec)
Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) is a set of protocols used together to provide a secured and encrypted connection between devices. It works by encrypting the IP packets by authenticating the source of data packets. IPsec is mainly used to protect the data transmitted through public networks.
• Secure Shell (SSH)
Secure Shell (SSH) is a protocol used for secure remote access to systems and applications. It provides a strong password and public key authentication. Network Administrators widely use SSH to manage systems and applications connected remotely over a network.
• SSL and TLS
Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) are the cryptographic protocol used to develop a secure connection between the server and the client over the internet. The digital certificates are used in the SSL / TLS protocol to validate the legitimacy of the client or server. Using SSL/TLS, a secure status of HTTPS connection will display in the web address bar.
• OpenVPN
OpenVPN is an open-source and widely used tunneling protocol designed to establish a secure connection over the internet. It uses the OpenSSL library, which provides SSL/TLS encryption and authentication protocols. OpenVPN provides a high level of security and delivers fast connections in the network.
Wrap up
A VPN that provides a secured and encrypted connection with high encryption standards is the most secure. Choose the best suitable VPN protocol that meets all your network requirements and provides secure connections over the network. If you are interested in the online training program, InfosecTrain offers the CompTIA Network+ certification training program, covering all the networking concepts to provide a better understanding.
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