•Internet Key Exchange (IKE)

IKE is a negotiation and key exchange protocol specified by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). An IKE SA automatically negotiates Phase 1 Encryption/Authentication Keys. With IKE, an initial exchange authenticates the VPN session and automatically negotiates keys that is used to pass IP traffic. The initial exchange occurs on UDP port 500, so when an IKE SA is created, the SonicWALL automatically opens port 500 to allow the IKE key exchange.

•Manual Key

The Manual Key SA allows you to specify the Encryption and Authentication keys as well as Incoming and Outgoing Security Parameter Indices (SPI). SonicWALL VPN supports Manual Key VPN Security Associations.

•Shared Secret

A Shared Secret is a predefined field that the two endpoints of a VPN tunnel use to set up an IKE SA. This field can be any combination of alphanumeric characters with a minimum length of 4 characters and a maximum of 128 characters. Precautions should be taken when delivering/exchanging this shared secret to assure that a third party cannot compromise the security of a VPN tunnel.

•Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)

AES is an encryption algorithm for securing sensitive but unclassified materials by U.S. Government agencies. It may eventually become the standard encryption method for commercial transactions in the private sector.

As a potential replacement for DES and possible 3DES, AES is a symmetric algorithm which means it uses the same key for encryption and decryption and block encryption 128-bits in size. The algorithm supports key sizes of 128, 192, and 256 bits as a minimum.

•Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP)

ESP provides confidentiality and integrity of data by encrypting the data and encapsulating it into IP packets. Encryption can be in the form of ARCFour (similar to the popular RC4 encryption method), DES, etc.

The use of ESP increases the processing requirements in SonicWALL VPN and also increases the communications latency. The increased latency is due to the encryption and decryption required for each IP packet containing an Encapsulating Security Payload.

ESP typically involves encryption of the packet payload using standard encryption mechanisms, such as RC4, ARCFour, DES, or 3DES. The SonicWALL supports 56-bit ARCFour and 56-bit DES and 168-bit 3DES.

•Authentication Header (AH)

The Authentication Header provides strong integrity and authentication by adding authentication information to IP packets. This authentication information is calculated using header and payload data in the IP packet which provides an additional level of security.

Appendices Page 275

Page 273 Page 275
Page 274
Image 274
SonicWALL Internet Security Appliances Internet Key Exchange IKE, Manual Key, Shared Secret, Authentication Header AH
Page 273 Page 275

Internet Security Appliances specifications

SonicWALL Internet Security Appliances are pivotal solutions aimed at safeguarding networks from an ever-evolving array of cyber threats. Designed for small to medium-sized businesses, as well as enterprises, these appliances deliver robust security and high-performance capabilities.

One of the main features of SonicWALL Internet Security Appliances is their Unified Threat Management (UTM) functionality. This integrated approach allows organizations to manage multiple security measures, including firewall protection, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and antivirus capabilities, within a single device. This consolidation simplifies security management and reduces the risk of vulnerabilities from disparate systems.

Another significant technology found in these appliances is Application Control. This feature enables administrators to monitor and regulate the applications and services used within their networks, ensuring that bandwidth is allocated efficiently, and potentially harmful applications are blocked. Coupled with Content Filtering, SonicWALL offers granular policies to restrict access to inappropriate or non-work-related content, enhancing overall productivity while maintaining security.

SonicWALL appliances also utilize advanced cybersecurity technologies like SonicWall Capture Threat Assessment and Capture Advanced Threat Protection. These solutions leverage artificial intelligence to identify and remove sophisticated malware and ransomware threats before they infiltrate the network. This proactive approach ensures that only safe email and web traffic is allowed through, providing comprehensive protection against advanced persistent threats.

Moreover, SonicWALL’s Global Management System (GMS) enables centralized control over multiple security devices, making it easy for IT teams to maintain a consistent security posture across various locations. This capability is especially beneficial for organizations with distributed networks, as it provides real-time visibility into network activity and security incidents.

The appliances are also designed with scalability in mind. Whether an organization grows or needs to adjust its security policies, SonicWALL appliances can be updated, expanded, or modified without significant disruptions. This flexibility makes them a long-term investment for any business focused on network security.

In addition, SonicWALL's user-friendly interface simplifies the deployment and management processes. With intuitive dashboards and reporting tools, administrators can easily track security events, analyze network traffic patterns, and respond swiftly to potential threats.

In summary, SonicWALL Internet Security Appliances combine essential features like Unified Threat Management, Application Control, and advanced threat protection technologies into a cohesive security solution. Their scalability, centralized management capabilities, and user-friendly interfaces make them an excellent choice for businesses aiming to strengthen their cyber defenses in a complex digital landscape.
Top Page Image Contents