What This Book Covers

In this book, SSL VPN is discussed in detail from both a business and technical standpoint. Readers will gain understanding of what SSL VPN is, how it works, and why it may be of great benefit to their own organizations. Best practices surrounding deploying an SSL VPN, ensuring that an SSL VPN implementation is secure, as well as addressing human factors are also covered.

Chapter 1 introduces the key concepts behind SSL VPN. We look at how it fits into familiar network schemas, and consider how it works and what advantages it offers over tradition IPSec VPNs.

Then, in Chapter 2, we consider the business case for SSL VPN solutions. We see how to measure SSL VPN return on investment, and what practical benefits SSL VPN technology can offer an organization.

Chapter 3 peeks under the bonnet of SSL VPN to see how the technology works, and how you can rely on private communications over an open network like the Internet.

Chapter 4 takes a more detailed look at SSL VPN security, showing you how to make sure you choose SSL VPN tools and configurations that do not fall foul of glitches or security loopholes.

Chapter 5 looks at how to plan your SSL VPN installation by showing where it fits into your current network infrastructure, while Chapter 6 looks at the human angle—how to educate your users so that they do not become security holes themselves!

Worried that an SSL VPN will not work with your existing applications? In Chapter 7 we look at the methods that exist for integrating SSL VPN with your legacy applications.

Finally in Chapter 8 we look to the future of SSL VPN, and consider where the trends are likely to lead in the coming years.