VPN Encryption – Are You Using the Right Encryption Key?

As now a days mobile & remote access are at the top of the business networks that has increased dramatically. Even the most basic virtual private network (VPN) technologies are so easy to access & affordable too that there is no any good reason for failing to utilize them. That said the real question for businesses is which type of VPN to implement: Standard IPSec (Internet Protocol Security) or secure-sockets layer (SSL)?

SSL is Best
Business started which has a limited budget and/or those that do not share highly sensitive data may opt for a standard VPN because of the cost factor, as this technology is free. As if we see, most operating system is built in VPN protocols, but you typically get what you get here. These protocols mainly rely on the username & the passwords, they have basically suffered from the lack of robust authentication & encryption components, and they easily become open doorways into corporate networks. Further, standard VPNs require the deployment of software & clients-an administrative headache at best.

SSL VPN uses the same encryption protocols as e-commerce sites & web enabled application. They are therefore more comfortable with the networks through which your remote user contacts. A more on SSL, is that it is very simple to install & leverages firewall posts already opened to secure traffic on internet, it provides the users to connect to a network securely via standard Web browser, without the need to need to install special software on the client side.

SSL VPNs will support your security policies that regulate access depending on the user, device or location. SSL will deny if your connection is less secure situation is detected, as it includes user logging on via an unsecured wireless LAN at local coffee shop. In a word, while SSL may cost more up front than standard VPN solutions, it pays for itself in reduced management costs and improved network security.

SSL Encryption for Data Protection
since most VPNs mainly operate over internet technologies, businesses must deal with the challenge to keep the data & transaction confidential & also protected. This is where SSL encryption comes into the picture- encryption scrambles the data & keeps it away from the unauthorized users. Each & every SSL Certificate consists of the public & private key- the public key is used to encrypt the information & private key is used to decrypt it. When any web browser points into a secured domain, an SSL handshake either authenticates the server & the client or the blocks unauthorized users.

Tips & Best practices for managing Encryption Keys
If a business loses an encryption keys or the key becomes corrupted, they may lose access to all of the systems & data housed on the network. As if we see the worst case scenario is that the whole system became unusable for you & it will be re-formatted & re-installed. Further, if a business neglects the security of keys, it could pay a big time, according to the Ponemon Institute. In a recent study, Ponemon reported that there has been an eight percent increase in the average total cost of encryption key breaches year over year, with a price tag of $197 per record don’t fall victim to poor key management. Keep these best practices top of mind:

Back it up: First of all most important is to make a back up of all encryption keys recovery process .Don’t ever store encryption and decryption keys in the same place & also keep in mind that never store it in any tapes that contain encrypted, archived data.

Be Protective of your Keys: Always give the access to only authorize users to access encryption/decryption keys, and what the work you will just send it by the e-mail. You must be ensuring about that your keys are only transferred or used from a secure system-be cautious at internet kiosks & other public facilities.

Avoid Compliance Headaches: Stay informed of corporate governance or the regulatory compliance measure such as the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Gramm-Leach-Bliley act (GLBA), and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) that mandate privacy & confidentiality of computer records. Keeping in mind the potential repercussions of negligent key management may be a motivator to get it right.

The Remote access market is very wide & enormous, even overwhelming also sometimes. According to IDC, 28% of all firms, or 2.4 millions companies, have some sort of branch office. As soon as the technology goes on SSL will be on great demand. Through SSL & effective key management, IT managers and end-users alike can share information securely and conveniently.