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Cisco Systems VPN 3002 Certificate Management, Enrolling and Installing Digital Certificates

Models: VPN 3002

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Chapter 12 Administration

Certificate Management

Certificate Management

Digital certificates are a form of digital identification used for authentication. Certificate Authorities (CAs) issue them in the context of a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), which uses public-key/private-key encryption to ensure security. CAs are trusted authorities who “sign” (issue) certificates to verify their authenticity.

A CA certificate is one used to sign other certificates. A CA certificate that is self-signed is called a root certificate; one issued by another CA certificate is called a subordinate certificate. CAs also issue identity certificates, which are the certificates for specific systems or hosts. There can be up to six root or subordinate CA certificates (including supporting RA certificates) but only one identity certificate on a VPN 3002.

The VPN 3002 supports X.509 digital certificates (International Telecommunications Union Recommendation X.509), including SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates that are self-signed or issued in a PKI context.

The VPN 3002 stores digital certificates and private keys in Flash memory. You do not need to click Save Needed to store them, and they are not visible under Administration File Management. All stored private keys are encrypted.

The VPN 3002 can have only one SSL certificate installed. If you generate a self-signed SSL certificate, it replaces any installed PKI-context SSL certificate; and vice-versa.

Enrolling and Installing Digital Certificates

To obtain a digital certificate for the VPN 3002 you must first enroll with a CA. To enroll with a CA, create an enrollment request and submit it to your CA. The CA enrolls the VPN 3002 into the PKI and issues you a certificate. Once you have the certificate, you then have to install it on the VPN 3002.

Note You must first install a CA certificate before you enroll identity certificates from that CA.

You can enroll and install digital certificates on the VPN 3002 automatically or manually. The automatic method uses the Simple Certificate Enrollment Protocol (SCEP) to streamline enrollment and installation. SCEP is a secure messaging protocol that requires minimal user intervention. This method is quicker and allows you to enroll and install certificates using only the Manager, but is only available if you are both enrolling with a CA that supports SCEP and enrolling via the web. If your CA does not support SCEP or if you do not have network connectivity to your CA, then you cannot use the automatic method; you must use the manual method.

The manual method involves more steps. You can do some of the steps using the Manager. Other steps require that you exchange information with the CA directly. (You deliver your enrollment request and receive the certificate from the CA via the Internet, email, or a floppy disk.)

Whether you use the automatic or manual method, you follow the same overall certificate management procedure:

Step 1 Install one or more CA certificates.

Step 2 Enroll and install identity and SSL certificates.

Step 3 Enable digital certificates on the VPN 3002.

 

VPN 3002 Hardware Client Reference

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VPN 3002 specifications

Cisco Systems VPN 3002 is a versatile hardware device designed to provide secure remote access to corporate networks. As part of Cisco's family of VPN concentrators, the VPN 3002 is aimed at small to medium-sized businesses seeking to establish secure communications over the Internet.

One of the key features of the VPN 3002 is its ability to support a wide range of VPN protocols, including IPsec and L2TP. This flexibility allows businesses to tailor their security solutions to meet specific needs, thereby ensuring robust encryption and integrity for data in transit. The device also supports innovative technologies such as Clientless SSL VPN, enabling users to access corporate resources without the need for a full client installation.

Another vital characteristic of the VPN 3002 is its scalability. It can support multiple users while maintaining optimal performance due to its integrated firewall capabilities. This functionality allows organizations to manage user traffic effectively, ensuring that both security and efficiency are maintained during peak access periods.

Additionally, the VPN 3002 boasts advanced features like NAT traversal, which helps ensure that VPN connections can penetrate network address translation firewalls and other similar devices, thereby enhancing connectivity. It also features strong authentication mechanisms, including support for RADIUS and TACACS+, providing businesses with the ability to implement stringent user verification processes.

The device is designed with ease of use in mind. The setup process is relatively simple, and Cisco's intuitive web-based management interface makes it easy to configure and monitor VPN connections. Furthermore, the VPN 3002 comes with a variety of integrated tools for logging and reporting, allowing administrators to maintain comprehensive oversight of network activities.

In terms of hardware, the VPN 3002 is equipped with multiple Ethernet ports for network connectivity and can support a range of configurations to meet diverse organizational requirements. Its robust design ensures longevity and dependable operation, making it an ideal solution for businesses seeking reliable remote access capabilities.

In conclusion, Cisco Systems VPN 3002 provides a comprehensive solution for organizations looking to secure their remote connections. With its support for various protocols, scalable architecture, advanced security features, and ease of use, it stands out as a reliable choice for enhancing corporate network security.