Using Certificates with HP-UX IPSec

Using VeriSign Certificates

Using VeriSign Certificates

Overview

There are three main components in the VeriSign Managed PKI architecture.

•A VeriSign Managed PKI Certificate Authority (CA), which is located at a VeriSign data center and administered by VeriSign. The Managed PKI CA creates and manages certificates and Certificate Revocation Lists (CRLs). The VeriSign Managed PKI CA is accessed through the VeriSign Managed PKI Control Center website.

•A local Managed PKI Administrator, a person located at your site who uses the VeriSign Managed PKI Control Center website to approve client certificate requests and can ask the Managed PKI CA to revoke a client's certificate.

•Clients located at your site who request, get and use certificates. For HP-UX IPSec, a client is a system that uses a certificate-based primary authentication method for IKE, such as RSA signatures. Each system must request and get a certificate before starting the HP-UX IPSec subsystem that uses certificate-based authentication.

To perform this task, use the ipsec_mgr program to request and receive certificates from the Managed PKI CA. The ipsec_mgr program will send the requests to the Managed PKI CA through the Managed PKI Control Center website.

The general data flow between these components is listed below and shown in Figure 4-1.

1.The IPSec administrator requests a VeriSign certificate using the ipsec_mgr program. The ipsec_mgr program sends a certificate request on behalf of HP-UX IPSec to the Managed PKI CA via the Managed PKI Control Center website.

2.The Managed PKI CA sends a Notify for Request message to the local Managed PKI Administrator at the customer site. This message notifies the Managed PKI Administrator that the client (the HP-UX IPSec system) is requesting a certificate. The Notify for Request message is typically sent using a secure email message.

118

Chapter 4

Page 121 Page 123
Page 122
Image 122
HP UX IPSec Software manual Using VeriSign Certificates, Overview
Page 121 Page 123

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.
Top Page Image Contents