Planning your deployment

Administration Desktop also provides access to the Real-Time Monitor, where you can view a list of cur- rent users and close the connection for any user.

This chapter discusses deployment scenarios for the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway. You can deploy the Fire- box SSL VPN Gateway at the perimeter of your organization’s internal network (or intranet) to provide a secure single point-of-access to the servers, applications, and other network resources residing in the internal network. All remote users must connect to the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway before they can access any resources on the internal network.

This section discusses the following Firebox SSL VPN Gateway deployments:

•Deploying the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway in the network demilitarized zone (DMZ)

•Deploying the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway in a secure network that does not have a DMZ

Deploying the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway in the Network DMZ

Many organizations protect their internal network with a DMZ. A DMZ is a subnet that lies between an organization’s secure internal network and the Internet (or any external network). When the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway is deployed in the DMZ, users access it using the Secure Access Client or the kiosk client.

In this configuration, you install the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway in the DMZ and configure it to connect to both the Internet and the internal network. When you deploy the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway in the DMZ, client connections must traverse the first firewall to connect to the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway. By default, clients use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) on port 443 to establish this connection. To support this connec- tivity, you must allow SSL on port 443 through the first firewall.

Note

You can change the port clients use to connect to the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway by altering the port setting in the Administration Tool. This port setting is discussed in “Configuring TCP/IP Settings Using Network Cables”.

.The Firebox SSL VPN Gateway decrypts the SSL connections from the client and establishes a connec- tion on behalf of the client to the network resources behind the second firewall. The ports that must be open through the second firewall are dependent on the network resources that you authorize external users to access.

For example, if you authorize external users to access a Web server in the internal network, and this server listens for HTTP connections on port 80, you must allow HTTP on port 80 through the second fire- wall. The Firebox SSL VPN Gateway establishes the connection through the second firewall to the HTTP server on the internal network on behalf of the external clients.

The Firebox SSL VPN Gateway administrative tools available on the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway also listen for connections on these ports:

•Port 9001 - Connections to the Administration Portal occur on this port.

•Port 9002 - Connections to the Administration Tool occur on this port

Deploying the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway in a Secure Network

You can install the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway in the secure network. In this scenario, there is typically one firewall between the Internet and the secure network. The Firebox SSL VPN Gateway resides inside the firewall to control access to the network resources.

18	Firebox SSL VPN Gateway

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.

WatchGuard Technologies SSL VPN manual Planning your deployment

Models: SSL VPN