What is an SSL VPN? A secure sockets layer virtual private network is known as an SSL VPN. An SSL VPN creates a secure and encrypted connection over a network that is less secure - for example, the internet. When connecting your mobile device or computer to a private network, a VPN conceals your IP address and establishes an encrypted connection that allows you to securely share data while simultaneously shielding your identity. SSLs work by converting private data or information into a combination of unreadable letters and numbers. By using end-to-end encryption, SSL VPNs ensure protection from a browser to the destination and then back again.
With many employees now working from home, SSL VPNs are becoming more important than ever before. As companies provide corporate network access, the rate of fraud incidents exponentially increases when home internet connections are used. Potentially weak or unsecured connections are targeted by cybercriminals, making companies more susceptible to threats and malicious attacks. Because organizations have to provide secure and safe internet access, the VPN solution they choose should be scalable and easy to use. SSL VPNs are crucial since they ensure the safety necessary for heightened security, they can be accessed from any device, they are location-agnostic, and they require little to no enterprise computing experience for employees. More importantly, they offer peace of mind for employers, so that they can feel comfortable allowing their staff to continue working remotely from home.
SSL VPNs are safe and secure so long as your browser is protected. An SSL VPN becomes compromised as soon as the browser being used is compromised. However, SSL VPNs are still considered safe because communication happens via an encrypted connection, regardless of what type of device is being used, and no matter if network access is through the public internet or another secure network. Having an SSL VPN also limits access to applications, giving organizations the ability to manage users’ privileges more precisely, which subsequently provides businesses with more control over security.
VPNs preceded SSL VPNs, but SSL VPNs are just as secure and safe as IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) VPNs. SSL VPNs are primarily used for web applications, unlike VPNs which are used for both web and non-web apps. The endpoints for each protocol also differ between VPNs and SSL VPNs; An SSL VPN provides users with access to a specific application or a particular system on the network while a VPN provides full access to an entire network along with all of its applications.
Cyberattackers can gain complete access to a corporate network through a VPN. However, with SSL VPNs, only specific operating systems or applications that the SSL is associated with are compromised if and when a cybercriminal attempts to access exposed networks.
Another major difference between VPNs and SSL VPNs is that an SSL framework makes assigning administrative rights to users (depending on their needs for access or their seniority) easy.
SSL Portal VPN is a type of SSL VPN that allows one SSL VPN connection at a time to remote websites. After remote users have been authenticated, they can access the SSL VPN gateway via their web browser. This SSN VPN is referred to as a “portal” because only a single web page is necessary in order to access other resources. Generally, users can access this gateway using any web browser and the username and password that are typically provided to them by the VPN gateway service.
SSL Tunnel VPN: In contrast to an SSL portal VPN, this type of VPN provides access to multiple network services via a web browser through a tunnel. “Tunneling” allows browsers to interact with and actively display content (JavaScript to Flash-based technology), which increases the versatility over an SSL portal VPN.
