New Features

The virtual TCP circuit is using industry standard Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption. All packets destined for the private network are transported over the virtual TCP cir- cuit. The Firebox SSL VPN Gateway is essentially acting as a low-level packet filter with encryption. It drops traffic that does not have authentication or does not have permission for a particular network. The Firebox SSL VPN Gateway opens up the following ports:

•Port 443 is opened for VPN network traffic

•Ports 9001 and 9002 are opened for administrator traffic for the Administration Portal and Administration Tool

The first time the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway is started, use the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway Administration Tool to configure the basic settings that are specific to your corporate network, such as the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway IP address, and DNS address. After you complete the basic connection, you then configure the settings specific to Firebox SSL VPN Gateway operation, such as the options for authentication, authorization, and group-based access control, kiosk mode, end point resources and polices, portal pages, and IP pools.

New Features

The v5.5 software update for the Firebox SSL Core VPN Gateway includes the following new features:

Authentication and one-time passwords

You can configure the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway to prevent caching of one-time passwords, such as those used by an RSA SecurID. When this feature is enabled, it prevents users from being locked out of their accounts in the event of a network interruption.

New versions of the Secure Access Client

There is a new version of the Secure Access Client for Windows Vista. This version of the Secure Access Client is installed with the same ease-of-use as other versions of the Secure Access Client.

Configurable symmetric encryption ciphers

You can select the specific cipher that the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway uses for symmetric data encryption on an SSL connection. You can select one of these three encryption ciphers:

RC4 128 Bit, MD5/SHA 3DES, SHA

AES 128/256 Bit, SHA

Automatic detection of proxy server settings

In this release, the Secure Access Client automatically detects the proxy server settings specified in the operating system and when users are using Internet Explorer. Proxy server settings specified in proxy autoconfiguration files are not supported.

Administration Guide

11

Page 20 Page 22
Page 21
Image 21
WatchGuard Technologies SSL VPN manual New Features, Authentication and one-time passwords
Page 20 Page 22

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.

Scalability is also a crucial aspect of WatchGuard's SSL VPN, accommodating growing organizations with changing needs. The solution can easily scale to support an increasing number of remote users without compromising performance. With robust performance metrics, businesses can ensure that even during peak usage times, the VPN remains responsive and reliable.

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.
Top Page Image Contents