Planning for Security with the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway

When an Firebox SSL VPN Gateway is deployed in the secure network, the Secure Access Client or kiosk client connections must traverse the firewall to connect to the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway. By default, both of these clients use the SSL protocol on port 443 to establish this connection. To support this con- nectivity, you must open port 443 on the firewall.

Note

You can change the port on which clients 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”.

Planning for Security with the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway

When planning any type of Firebox SSL VPN Gateway deployment, there are basic security issues associ- ated with certificates, authentication, and authorization that you should understand.

Configuring Secure Certificate Management

By default, the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway includes a self-signed SSL server certificate that enables it to complete SSL handshakes. Self-signed certificates are adequate for testing or sample deployments, but are not recommended for production environments.

Before you deploy the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway in a production environment, WatchGuard recom- mends that you request and receive a signed SSL server certificate from a known Certificate Authority and upload it to the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway.

If you deploy the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway in any environment where the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway must operate as the client in an SSL handshake (initiate encrypted connections with another server), you must also install a trusted root certificate on the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway. For more information about root certificates, see “Installing Root Certificates on the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway” on page 112. For more information about certificates, see “Creating and Installing Secure Certificates” on page 109.

Authentication Support

You can configure the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway to authenticate users and control the level of access (or authorization) that users have to the network resources on the internal network.

Before deploying the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway, your network environment should have the corporate directories and authentication servers in place to support one of these authentication types:

•LDAP

•RADIUS

•RSA SecurID

•NTLM

•Secure Computing SafeWord products

If your environment supports none of the authentication types listed above, or you have a small popula- tion of remote users, you can create a list of local users on the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway and configure the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway to authenticate users against this local list. With this configuration, it is not necessary to maintain user accounts in a separate, external directory.

For more information about authentication and authorization, see “Configuring Authentication and Authorization” on page 61.

Administration Guide

19

Page 28 Page 30
Page 29
Image 29
WatchGuard Technologies Planning for Security with the Firebox SSL VPN Gateway, Authentication Support, RSA SecurID
Page 28 Page 30

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