What is a VPN?

A VPN is a secure connection between two sites over the Internet.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) allow organizations to securely extend their LANs over the Internet by encrypting the data traffic. Because of the relatively lower cost of Internet connections when compared to private lines, VPNs create the ideal infrastructure for the exchange of data and network resources with employees, partners, suppliers and business associates without sacrificing the security and integrity of the company’s data.
 

Virtual Private Network

Internet-based remote access presents challenges in protecting the confidentiality and integrity of essential business information as it travels over the public Internet. Hackers using packet sniffers can capture the data as it passes over the Internet and convert it into a readable format or gain entry into your network. Exposure to these security risks means unauthorized users can initiate fraudulent transactions, as well as steal, alter, or destroy confidential information, exposing your organization, customers, vendors, and business partners to financial losses.

To ensure data security on the Internet, there are three requirements:

1. Remote user identity authentication
2. Secure private transmission of data (no unauthorized listeners)
3. Verification of unadulterated data transmission

How a VPN Works

A VPN is an umbrella term that refers to all the technologies enabling secure communications over the public Internet. VPN uses "tunnels" between two gateways to protect private data as it travels over the Internet. Tunneling is the process of encapsulating private IP packets into a public IPSec packet. Once the authentication and authorization between the VPN gateways is established, the tunnel is created and the users can send and receive data across the Internet.

Types of VPN Connections

VPNs can be used to support the following types of connections:

• Client to LAN. Used by mobile workers using dial-up Internet connections while on the road or ISDN, cable, or DSL connections from home. A single VPN tunnel is used for each VPN client.
   
• LAN-to-LAN. A VPN can be used to link two LANs together using a single tunnel that handles all the secure data traffic between two locations.
   
• Intranets. VPNs allow remote offices and users to securely access internal TCP/IP applications running on the corporate Intranet.
   
• Extranets. VPNs enable secure access to the corporate Extranet for vendors, partners, and customers.
   

MicroServe also provides Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as part of our Managed Security Service.  Click here for more details.

Some other aspects of Network Security include:

• Firewalls
• Anti Virus
• Managed Security Services

There are many different solutions available to provide VPN capabilities for your computer systems. Call us toll free at (866) 382-8009 or locally at (240) 686-2012 to talk to one of our security consultants so we can help you determine what is the best method and product for your individual requirements. Our experts can help you select the solution, install the application / hardware, and configure it to provide maximum protection.