VPNs and Firewalls -t4

VPN’s & Firewalls:

VPN’s & Firewalls EGMT 520 Information Systems Engineering By: Tracey Vick

VPN - Definition:

VPN - Definition What is a VPN (Defined)? A VPN is an abbreviation for Virtual Private Network A VPN uses a VPN Client, a network, and the internet to transfer information using secure methods VPN technology was developed in the late 1990’s

VPN - Pictorial:

VPN - Pictorial A VPN connects remote sites or users together privately, the example below is considered a CPE-VPN, or a Customer Premises Solution VPN (Tunnel) A typical VPN might have a main LAN (Local Area Network) at the corporate headquarters of a company, other LANs at remote offices or facilities and individual users connecting in.

VPN - Description:

VPN - Description A VPN acts like a hard wired network but is is not A VPN uses public network, i.e. the internet, that connects securely to a private network via a private tunnel VPN’s use specialized software and hardware to encrypt, send, and decrypt transmissions via the internet A VPN is virtual connection in lieu of using a dedicated, physical connection such as a leased line

VPN – How they work:

VPN – How they work VPN’s allow for information to be shared confidentially VPN’s allow for employees to work remotely and communicate globally VPN’s are used commerically and in households

VPN – How they work:

VPN – How they work A VPN allows for collaborations on-line with such software as Web-Ex, Screen Connect, and Gather place To create a VPN, you will need an ISP, server, a router, and software

VPN – Cost & Maintenance:

VPN – Cost & Maintenance VPN’s can be a costly set up if there is a signifcant amount of remote users VPN tunnels require a support on a monthly basis and the prices can range from $2,500 to $8,000 per month flat rate VPN software also requires a monthly maintenance cost of $30 to $50 per user

VPN – Cost & Maintenance:

VPN – Cost & Maintenance The following is a breakdown of a typical components that would be required for an install, and the price would escalate depending on the needs of the organization

VPN - Vendors:

VPN - Vendors Cisco Netgear Hamachi (Softsonic) Nortel Linksys D Link Dynalink

VPN – Benefits & Drawbacks :

VPN – Benefits & Drawbacks VPN’s offer a solution to long distance company connections by eliminated long distance, expensive leased lines Allows employees to work remotely Cost Savings with server support over WAN Expansion and scalability costs are significantly reduced with a VPN over a leased line Faster transmission speeds

VPN – Benefits & Drawbacks :

VPN – Benefits & Drawbacks VPN’s require professional installation and in depth knowledge of security procedures to protect information that is transmitted via the internet Organizations must rely on their ISP, and any loss of performance is out of the organizations direct control VPN vendors, solutions and software are not all compatible.

VPN - Summary:

VPN - Summary Greater Flexibility within Organization locations and equipment Secure option to transmit organizational data No limits on expansion Cost Effective Employee Output Transmission Costs Maintenance & Support

Firewall - Definition:

Firewall - Definition What is a Firewall (Defined)? A Firewall is an integrated collection of security measures designed to prevent unauthorized electronic access to a networked computer system Types of Firewalls Software Hardware

Firewall - Pictorial:

Firewall - Pictorial

Firewalls - Description:

Firewalls - Description Firewalls can be either hardware or software. Many computers have software that blocks the transmission of unauthorized content onto your PC or server Firewalls are also contained within routers, and tunnel switches for VPN Networks and utilize proxy’s to break the connection via a router Firewalls prevent remote access to your pc, blocks unauthorized download of software, and helps to prevent worms from penetrating your security software

Firewall - Vendors:

Firewall - Vendors McAfee Norton Zone Alarm Symantec Outpost (Agnitum)

Firewall – Costs & Availability:

Firewall – Costs & Availability The availability of firewalls is lengthy; the key is to purchase the proper protection for your environment Firewalls range in costs depending on the vendor and the other securities purchased Typical software cost for a firewall package ranges from $29.95 to $99.95 per license, with some packages including protection at home for up to three pc’s Hardware costs can be significant. Prices can range from $2,000 to $30,000

Firewall – Benefits & Drawbacks:

Firewall – Benefits & Drawbacks Firewalls help to prevent unauthorized access Firewalls help to prevent worm attacks Firewalls help to unaccepted criteria (based on settings) from being sent as well as received Firewalls can track log on attempts and sucesses within a network Firewalls cannot override human changes to turn the firewall off Firewalls also cannot prevent users with a modems from direct dialing in and out of the network, by passing the firewall all together

Firewalls - Summary:

Firewalls - Summary In conclusion, firewalls help to maintain sever and pc security by only allowing specific transmissions of data or information Firewalls work with anti-virus software and VPN and router hardware to create a defense against unathorized access and attacks, which can occur via computer programs or human hackers Firewalls are affordable and consider a best practice

Sources:

Sources http://www.wikipedia.org/ http://computer.howstuffworks.com/.htm http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/VPN http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/V/VPN.html http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/vpndevc/index.html http://compnetworking.about.com/od/vpn/g/bldef_vpn.htm http://www.windowsecurity.com/articles/Virtual_Private_Networking.html http://www.xserves.com/downloads/anexgate/VPNPrimer.pdf http://www.techrepublic.com/article/understand-your-organizations-needs-before-selecting-a-vpn-hardware-solution/1040777 http://www.wikipedia.org/ http://www.howstuffworks.com/firewall.htm

Sources Continued:

Sources Continued http://www.comparethebrands.com/compare/41 http://www.vpntools.com/ http://www.netgear.com/home/ http://www.nortel.com/ http://hamachi.en.softonic.com/ http://www.dlink.com/default.aspx http://personal-firewall-software-review.toptenreviews.com/ Information Technology for Management by: E. Turban & L. Volonino, 7 th ed. http://www.vicomsoft.com/knowledge/reference/firewalls1.html#3