Glossary

3DES Triple Data Encryption Standard. Uses a 168-bit key for symmetric key block encryption. It is suitable for encrypting large amounts of data. Last certified by the US government (NIST) as a standard in 1999. It must be re-certified every 5 years.

AES Advanced Encryption Standard. Uses a symmetric key block encryption. HP-UX IPSec supports AES with a 128-bit key. AES is suitable for encrypting large amounts of data. Last certified by the US government (NIST) as a standard in 2001. It must be re-certified every 5 years.

AH See Authentication Header.

Authentication Header (AH) The AH provides data integrity, system-level authentication and can provide anti-replay protection.

Authentication The process of verifying a user's identity or integrity of data, or the identity of the party that sent data.

Asymmetric keys, public/private keys

Based on cryptography algorithms where data can be encrypted with a public key but only decrypted with the corresponding private key. In addition, data encrypted by a private key can be decrypted with the corresponding public key with the assurance that only the given private key could have encrypted the data.

CA See Certificate Authority.

Certificate A security certificate associates (or binds) a public key with a principal--a particular person, device, or other entity. The security certificate is issued by an entity, in whom users have put their trust, called a certificate authority (CA) that guarantees or

confirms the identity of the holder (person, device, or other entity) of the corresponding private key. The CA digitally signs the certificate with the CA’s private key, so the certificate can be verified using the CA’s public key.

The format for public-key certificates is defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) X.509 standard, Version 3.

Certificate Authority (CA) Certificate authority is a trusted third party that authenticates users and issues certificates. In addition to establishing trust in the binding between a user’s public key and other security-related information in a certificate, the CA digitally signs the certificate information using its private key.

Certificate Revocation List (CRL)

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.

CRL: See Certificate Revocation List.

DES Data Encryption Standard. Uses a 56-bit key for symmetric key block encryption. It is suitable for encrypting large amounts of data. Last certified by the US government (NIST) as a standard in 1999. It must be re-certified every 5 years.

Glossary

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HP UX IPSec Software manual Glossary, Asymmetric keys, public/private keys
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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.
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