Virtual Private Network (VPN)
VPN encrypt communications between PC's and the VPN Server at the network layer instead of the application layer (such as SSL). However, the encryption is only up to the VPN concentrator, therefore VPN should only be seen as an enhancement to SSL, not a replacement.
Virtual Private Networks (VPN) create encrypted traffic "tunnels" on public networks (Internet). The tunnel begins at the local PC and terminates at the VPN Server. Data within the tunnel are secured from snooping on the public network.
We have a Cisco VPN Server and associated Clients for staff to use.
Cisco VPN Client
Limitations
- The VPN client is available to ICS staff with "named" ICSID's.
- The client may be incompatible with other VPN clients. Users may need to uninstall any previous VPN client.
- Local network connections are blocked when the VPN is activated. This effects local home networks, printing and other protocols notably X11.
- Cisco has clients available for XP and OSX. Linux clients are available but unsupported.
- Clients run in IPSec mode. The authentication system does not support PPTP or L2TP.
- When the data stream exits the VPN Server, its no longer encrypted unless encrypted by application layer encryption such as SSL / TLS.
Installation & Configuration
- Download Installers (ICSID required)
- Windows setup
- FAQ
- Cisco Bluesocket