Configuring HP-UX IPSec

Step 3: Configuring IKE Policies

Step 3: Configuring IKE Policies

Complete this step only if you are using dynamic keys for IPSec. You do not need to configure IKE policies if you are using only manual keys for IPSec, or if you are only using HP-UX IPSec to discard packets. If you are not using dynamic keys, go to “Step 6: Configuring the Bypass List (Local IPv4 Addresses)” on page 101

HP-UX IPSec uses the parameters in an IKE policy when using the IKE protocol to establish ISAKMP/Main Mode (MM) Security Associations (SAs) with remote systems. IPSec uses ISAKMP/MM SAs to negotiate IPSec SAs; an ISAKMP/MM SA must exist with a remote system before IPSec can negotiate IPSec SAs.

You must have at least one IKE policy if you are using dynamic keys for IPSec. If HP-UX IPSec cannot find an IKE policy with a remote address specification that matches the remote system, the ISAKMP/MM SA negotiation will fail.

HP recommends that you use an ipsec_config batch file to configure IKE policies.

Policy Order and Selection

When HP-UX IPSec needs to establish an ISAKMP/MM SA, it searches the IKE policies according to the value of the priority parameter for each policy and selects the first policy with the IP address and prefix specifications that match the remote system’s address.

Automatic Priority Increment

You can explicitly set the priority of an IKE policy with the priority argument, or you can use the automatic priority increment value for IKE policies in the profile file (the priority parameter value in the IKEPolicy-Defaultssection of the profile file). If you do not specify a priority argument, ipsec_config assigns a priority value that is set to the current highest priority value (lowest priority) in the configuration data base, incremented by the automatic priority increment value for IKE policies. The result is that the new policy will be the last policy evaluated before the default policy. The default automatic priority increment value (priority) is 10.

Chapter 3

89

Page 93
Image 93
HP UX IPSec Software manual Configuring IKE Policies, Policy Order and Selection

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.