The Internet is an integral part of daily business for most organizations today, and along with this comes an inherent vulnerability to cyber attacks.
In the face of growing incidents of cybercrime, enterprises struggle with the quandary of how to keep data secure while avoiding disruptions to daily operations.
For many businesses, the IPSec tunnel offers the means to enable safe and secure transmission of, and access to, data.
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Everything you need to know when it comes to the CSfC process.
What Is An IPSec Tunnel?
An Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) tunnel is a set of standards and protocols originally developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) to support secure communication as packets of information are transported from an IP address across network boundaries and vice versa.
IPSec tunnels are widely used for secure communication between remote offices, branch offices, and in Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access and eavesdropping. They play a crucial role in securing data transmission in an increasingly interconnected and potentially insecure digital world.
An IPSec tunnel allows for the implementation of a virtual private network (VPN) which an enterprise may use to securely extend its reach beyond its own network to customers, partners, and suppliers.
IPSec VPNs may be classified as:
- Intranet VPNs: Connect company headquarters with offices in different locations.
- Extranet VPNs: Connect enterprises with business partners or suppliers.
- Remote-Access VPNs: Connect individual, remote users such as traveling executives or telecommuters with their company network.
IPSec tunnel vs. normal security tunnel
There are several types of VPN protocols for tunneling, or transmitting, data over the Internet.
For example, most eCommerce sites use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS).
Some networks utilize Secure Shell (SSH), and others use Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP).
Compared to these various types of “normal” tunnels, IPSec provides the most robust cryptographic security.
The IPSec tunnel creates robust security layers to fully protect the data that is transmitted over the Internet or through an enterprise’s network. By wrapping the inner IP data packet in layers of robust encryption, the packet is protected from alteration, eavesdropping, data mining or interception.
The IPSec tunnel encrypts the entire packet of data so fully that no entity can see the source of the data, the data endpoint or the data origination point.
“Normal” security tunnels simply do not have this type of encryption.
Let's explore deeper the differences between the two:
IPSec Tunnel:
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Purpose: IPSec (Internet Protocol Security) is a specific protocol suite designed for securing data communication over IP networks. IPSec tunnels are primarily used for securing data transmission over the internet, intranets, and extranets, as well as in VPNs.
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Security Features: IPSec provides a comprehensive set of security features, including data encryption, data integrity verification, and authentication of communication endpoints. It ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of data.
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Protocols: IPSec consists of multiple protocols, such as Authentication Header (AH) and Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP), which work together to provide security services.
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Authentication: IPSec tunnels often involve the use of digital certificates, pre-shared keys, or other strong authentication methods to ensure the identity of the communicating parties.
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Encryption: Data transmitted through an IPSec tunnel is encrypted to protect it from eavesdropping.
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Authentication and Key Management: IPSec uses a robust key management system to establish security associations and manage encryption keys.
Normal Security Tunnel (Generic):
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Purpose: A "normal" security tunnel refers to a generic concept of creating a secure communication channel between two endpoints. It doesn't necessarily specify a particular security protocol but can encompass a variety of security techniques and protocols, including but not limited to IPSec.
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Security Features: The security features of a normal security tunnel can vary widely based on the specific protocol or technique being used. Some may provide encryption and data integrity, while others might offer different security mechanisms.
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Protocols: A normal security tunnel can use various security protocols, including but not limited to IPSec, Transport Layer Security (TLS), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), and others.
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Authentication: The authentication methods used in a normal security tunnel can be protocol-dependent and may vary in strength and complexity.
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Encryption: Depending on the chosen protocol or technique, data may or may not be encrypted in a normal security tunnel.
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Authentication and Key Management: The processes for authentication and key management can differ significantly based on the selected security approach.
The supply chain threat
In terms of network security, mobile employees are only part of the issue.
Every third-party supplier with access to an enterprise’s network represents a very real risk.
Professional networking giant LinkedIn saw data associated with 700 million of its users posted on a dark web forum in June 2021, impacting more than 90% of its user base. Unfortunately, this is just one of numerous examples.
Cybersecurity Ventures expects global cybercrime costs to grow by 15 percent per year over the next five years, reaching $10.5 trillion USD annually by 2025, up from $3 trillion USD in 2015.
And, cyber attacks are not limited to the private sector - government agencies have suffered significant data breaches as well. In early 2018, the computers of a U.S. Navy contractor were hacked by China, resulting in the theft of plans for an anti-ship missile as well as other sensitive data.
In yet another example, the Department of Defense’s travel system (DTS) was hacked in fall 2018 as the result of a data breach at one of the agency’s commercial vendors, resulting in the theft of travel itineraries and credit card information of 30,000 military personnel and civilians.
Contractors and business partners can be a serious liability when it comes to cybersecurity. Some may have IT programs that are out-of-date or in need of security patches. And still others simply may not have a sufficiently robust IT security program to defend against increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks.
Considering these factors, it is easy to see why third-party suppliers are a prime target for cybercrime.
Securing data anywhere
Archon’s GoSilent Cube is the first portable VPN and firewall with Top Secret level IPSec tunnel technology that secures data on the go.
As shown in the illustration below, GoSilent secures the connection to enterprise networks in an IPSec tunnel within the enterprise firewall.
This allows for a fully secure connection so that users can access corporate programs, missions, and resources and send, store and retrieve information behind the protected firewall without the possibility of the connection being intercepted or hijacked.
Archon’s GoSilent technology enables employees, partners, and suppliers with the freedom and security to access the enterprise network from desktops, laptops, phones, or any other IP-enabled devices and without compromising productivity.
