Digital Certificates and Firebox SSL VPN Gateway Operation

•Install a PEM certificate and private key from a Windows computer. This methods uploads a signed certificate and private key together. The certificate is signed by a CA and it is paired with the private key.

Digital Certificates and Firebox SSL VPN Gateway Operation

The Firebox SSL VPN Gateway uses digital certificates to encrypt and authenticate traffic over a connec- tion. If the digital certificate installed on the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway is not signed by a Certificate Authority, the traffic is encrypted but not authenticated. A digital certificate must be signed by a Certifi- cate Authority to also authenticate the traffic.

When traffic over a connection is not authenticated, the connection can be compromised through a “man in the middle” attack. In such an attack, a third party intercepts the public key sent by the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway to the Secure Access Client and uses it to impersonate the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway. As a result, the user unknowingly sends authentication credentials to the attacker, who could then con- nect to the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway. A certificate that is signed by a Certificate Authority prevents such attacks.

If the certificate installed on the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway is not signed by a Certificate Authority, Secure Access users see a security alert when attempting to log on.

Secure Access users see security warnings unless you install a certificate that is signed by a Certificate Authority on the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway and a corresponding certificate on users’ computers. Users can also disable the Security Alert through the Secure Access Connection Properties dialog box.

Overview of the Certificate Signing Request

Before you can upload a certificate to the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway, you need to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) and private key. The CSR is created using the Certificate Request Generator included in the Administration Tool. The Certificate Request Generator is a wizard that creates a .csr file. When the file is created, it is emailed to the Certificate Authority for signing. The Certificate Authority signs the certificate and returns it to you at the email address you provided. When it is received, you can install it on the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway.

To provide secure communications using SSL/TLS, a server certificate is required on the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway. The steps required to obtain and install a server certificate on the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway are as follows:

•Generate a CSR (myreq.csr) and private key (private.key) using the Certificate Request Generator as described in “Creating a Certificate Signing Request”.

•Email the myreq.csr file to an authorized certificate provider.

•When you receive the signed certificate file from your Certificate Authority, upload the certificate using the Administration Tool. The Administration Tool automatically converts the certificate to the PEM format, which is required by the Access Gateway.

Password-Protected Private Keys

Private keys that are generated with the Certificate Signing Request are stored in an encrypted and password-protected format on the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway. When creating the Certificate Signing Request, you are asked to provide a password for the private key. The password is used to protect the

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SSL VPN specifications

WatchGuard Technologies offers a robust SSL VPN solution designed for secure remote access to corporate networks. As businesses increasingly rely on a remote workforce, the need for secure and reliable connectivity has never been more critical. WatchGuard's SSL VPN features advanced security technologies that ensure data integrity and confidentiality while enabling seamless access to applications and resources.

One of the standout features of WatchGuard's SSL VPN is its user-friendly interface. The solution is designed to simplify the user experience, enabling employees to connect to the VPN with minimal complexity. With a straightforward setup process, users can quickly establish secure connections from various devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets. This flexibility supports a diverse workforce, allowing employees to work from different locations without compromising security.

In addition to its ease of use, WatchGuard's SSL VPN is built on robust security technologies. It employs end-to-end encryption to safeguard data in transit, ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive information. By utilizing SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) protocols, the VPN creates a secure tunnel between the user’s device and the corporate network, protecting against potential threats such as eavesdropping or man-in-the-middle attacks.

Moreover, WatchGuard Technologies includes multiple authentication options, adding another layer of security. The solution supports multi-factor authentication (MFA), requiring users to provide additional verification beyond just a password. This could involve mobile device verification or biometric authentication, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Another key characteristic of WatchGuard’s SSL VPN is its integration with other WatchGuard security solutions. Businesses can benefit from a comprehensive security posture by leveraging firewalls and intrusion prevention systems along with the SSL VPN. This holistic approach ensures that remote connections are continually monitored and secured against evolving cyber threats.

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In summary, WatchGuard Technologies' SSL VPN solution combines ease of use, robust security, flexible authentication, and scalability. These features make it an ideal choice for organizations seeking to provide secure remote access to their employees while maintaining a strong defense against cyber threats. With WatchGuard, businesses can confidently navigate the challenges of a digital landscape, ensuring their network remains secure as they embrace remote work.
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