Digital Signatures

Using Certificates with HP-UX IPSec

Overview

Certificates are issued with a specific lifetime, defined by a start date/time and an expiration date/time. However, situations can arise, such as a compromised key value, that necessitate the revocation of the certificate. In this case, the certificate authority can revoke the certificate. This is accomplished by including the certificate’s serial number on a Certificate Revocation List (CRL) updated and published on a regular basis by the CA and made available to certificate users.

With digital signatures, the sender uses its private key to create a digital signature value, and sends the digital signature with the data. The recipient uses the sender’s public key and the data to verify the digital signature.

There are different methods to generate and verify the digital signature. In one method, the sender generates a one-way hash value and encrypts it with its private key to form the digital signature. The recipient uses the sender’s public key to decrypt the digital signature and extract the hash value; it then generates its own hash value and compares the hash values. In another method, the sender uses its private key and the data as input to a keyed secure hash algorithm that outputs the digital signature. The receiver uses the data, the sender's public key and the digital signature as input to a verification algorithm that verifies the digital signature.

One difference between a digital signature and a symmetric-key hash value is that only the holder of the private key can generate the digital signature, while either holder of a symmetric key can generate a symmetric-key hash value. Since only the private key holder can generate the digital signature, a digital signature also provides non-repudiation which makes it difficult for the sender to deny sending the message.

IKE Public Key Distribution

IKE primary authentication with digital signatures requires that the IKE initiator and responder obtain the other entity’s public key, using security certificates. This may be done as part of the IKE negotiation - the two entities may exchange certificates at the beginning of the IKE negotiation. Alternatively, this may be done independent of the IKE

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Chapter 4

UX IPSec Software specifications

HP-UX IPSec Software is an integral component of the HP-UX operating system, providing robust and secure communication capabilities for enterprise environments. As organizations increasingly rely on secure networking solutions, HP-UX IPSec stands out with its comprehensive set of features and technologies designed to safeguard sensitive data.

One of the core characteristics of HP-UX IPSec Software is its implementation of the Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) framework. This technology secures Internet Protocol (IP) communications through authentication and encryption, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of data transmissions. By leveraging IPSec, HP-UX provides a secure method for connecting remote users and secure sites over untrusted networks, such as the internet.

A notable feature of the HP-UX IPSec Software is its support for both transport and tunnel modes. The transport mode encrypts only the payload of the IP packet, whereas the tunnel mode encapsulates the entire IP packet within a new packet, allowing for secure communications between entire networks. This flexibility enables organizations to tailor their security strategies based on specific use cases and requirements.

HP-UX IPSec also emphasizes interoperability and compliance with industry standards. The software supports various encryption algorithms and authentication methods, including those defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). This commitment to open standards ensures that HP-UX can seamlessly integrate with a diverse range of networking infrastructures and security solutions.

In addition to its security features, HP-UX IPSec Software offers administration tools that simplify the configuration and management of IPSec policies. The software includes a user-friendly command-line interface, allowing system administrators to specify security associations and policies efficiently. Moreover, comprehensive logging and monitoring capabilities help organizations keep track of their security posture and detect potential vulnerabilities.

Another essential characteristic of HP-UX IPSec Software is its scalability. Designed to accommodate the needs of both small and large enterprises, it can handle increased loads and adapt to changing security demands without compromising performance.

In conclusion, HP-UX IPSec Software stands as a vital solution for organizations seeking to protect their data transmissions over IP networks. With its core technologies, such as transport and tunnel modes, adherence to industry standards, user-friendly administration tools, and scalability, it provides a formidable layer of security in an increasingly interconnected world. This makes it a preferred choice for enterprises aiming to enhance their network security frameworks.

HP UX IPSec Software manual Digital Signatures, IKE Public Key Distribution

Models: UX IPSec Software

Using Certificates with HP-UX IPSec