INTRODUCTION TO NETWORK SECURITY

2 THREATS AND VULNURABILITIES

NETWORK SECURITY DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGIES

NETWORK TRAFFIC ANALYSIS

CRYPTOGRAPHY AND NETWORK SECURITY

NETWORK SECURITY ANALYSIS AND FORENSIC

SECURING WIRELESS NETWORKS

ADVANCED TOPICS IN NETWORK SECURITY

Types of VPNs (site-to-site, remote access)

TYPES OF VPN

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are used to securely connect devices and networks over the internet. They provide encrypted communication, protecting data from eavesdropping and unauthorized access. There are two primary types of VPNs based on their usage: Site-to-Site VPNs and Remote Access VPNs. 

1. Site-to-Site VPN

A Site-to-Site VPN connects two or more separate networks (e.g., corporate offices, data centers) over the internet. It enables secure communication between entire networks, as if they were part of a single private network.

Features:

  • Network-to-Network Connection:
    • It connects the local networks of multiple locations, such as branch offices or remote sites, to a central office or each other.
  • Transparent to Users:
    • Users on either network don’t need to establish a VPN connection manually. They can access resources across the networks as if they were on the same local network.
  • Tunneling Protocols:
    • Typically uses protocols such as IPsec or GRE (Generic Routing Encapsulation) for encryption and tunneling.

Use Cases:

  • Connecting corporate headquarters to branch offices.
  • Linking multiple data centers.
  • Securing communication between geographically dispersed networks.

2. Remote Access VPN

A Remote Access VPN allows individual users to connect securely to a private network from a remote location over the internet. It is commonly used to provide remote employees access to a corporate network.

Features:

  • User-to-Network Connection:
    • Allows a single device (e.g., a laptop, smartphone) to connect to the corporate network securely.
  • Client-Based or Clientless:
    • Client-Based: Requires VPN software (e.g., OpenVPN, Cisco AnyConnect) installed on the user’s device.
    • Clientless: Accessible through a web browser, typically using SSL/TLS encryption.
  • Tunneling Protocols:
    • Commonly uses SSL/TLS or IPsec for encryption and authentication.

Use Cases:

  • Remote employees accessing company files, databases, or intranet.
  • Contractors or third parties accessing specific systems or services.
  • Users requiring secure connections while working from public networks (e.g., coffee shops, airports).

Types of Virtual Private Network (VPN) - ServerCake