Glossary

Diffie-Hellman

DES has been cracked (data encoded using DES has been decoded by a third party).

Diffie-HellmanMethod to generate a symmetric key where two parties can publicly exchange values and generate the same symmetric key. Start with prime p and generator g, which may be publicly known (typically these numbers are from a well-known “Diffie-Hellman Group”). Each party selects a private value (a and b) and generates a public value (g**a mod p) and (g**b mod p). They exchange the public values. Each party then uses its private value and the other party's public value to generate the same symmetric key, (g**a)**b mod p and (g**b)**a mod p, which both evaluate to g**(a*b) mod p for future communication.

The Diffie-Hellman method must be combined with authentication to prevent man-in-the-middle or third party attacks (spoofing) attacks. Typically, it is combined with public/private key certificates (when sending the public value, each party signs the public value with its private key and includes a certificate).

Encryption The process of converting data from one format to another.

Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP)

The ESP provides confidentiality (encryption) and an anti-replay service. It should be used with authentication, either with the optional ESP authentication field (authenticated ESP) or nested in an Authentication Header message. Authenticated ESP also provides data origin authentication and connectionless integrity. When used in tunnel mode, ESP also provides limited traffic flow confidentiality.

ESP See Encapsulating Security Payload.

Filter A term used to refer to preferences in encryption, authentication, compression and protocol etc. for a particular end-user system.

HMAC Hashed Message Authentication Code. See also MAC.

IKE The Internet Key Exchange (IKE) protocol is used before the ESP or AH protocol exchanges to determine which encryption and/or authentication services will be used. IKE also manages the distribution and update of the symmetric (shared) encryption keys used by ESP and AH.

The IKE protocol is a hybrid of three other protocols: ISAKMP (Internet Security Association and Key Management Protocol), Oakley and SKEME. ISAKMP provides a framework for authentication and key exchange, but does not define the actual key exchange. (ISAKMP) defines most of the message format, with non-specific key-exchange information fields). The Oakley Key Determination protocol and SKEME protocol define key exchange techniques.

IPSec Policy IPSec Policies specify the rules according to which data is transferred securely. IPSec policies generally contain packet filter information and an action. The packet filter is used to select a policy for a packet and the action is applied to the packets using the policy

IPSec/QM SA See IPSec/Quick Mode Security Association.

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Glossary

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HP UX IPSec Software manual Diffie-Hellman, Encapsulating Security Payload ESP
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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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