What are SSL VPNs?

Matt Avatar By: Matt | Last updated November 16, 2020

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Introduction

Nowadays, Virtual Private Networks or VPNs are a necessity for all users regardless if they use a business or personal computer. This is because it provides them anonymity that is so hard to find online nowadays with the abundance of trackers that want to gather personal information about users. This, partnered with the presence of hackers online who may steal our private data make it important to have a VPN service. This comes in different brands, each with their own features and qualities. Among these are ExpressVPNNordVPNCyberGhost VPN, and more.  

What is an ssl vpn?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer Virtual Private Network. It is a technology used by VPN services to encrypt the data that you send online. This allows you to be safe from third parties who may want to track your activity and read your uploaded information which makes it handy if your gadget usually handles sensitive data. This is why it is a necessary tool for businesses and journalists as they require utmost privacy with their information. SSLs are a popular choice because of its reliable connections along with its high level of compatibility. 

What are the advantages of an SSL VPN?

Using an SSL VPN gives you access to the TLS technology which most browsers use. This means that you won’t need to use a specific software for this. This allows users to freely choose any web client and browser which lessens the need for technical support. This protection can also be set to only be applicable for specific applications. 

Because of this, users do not need to set up their security protocols as the modern browser that they are using will automatically be protected. This type of protection also allows administrators to create access controls for creating tunnels that specific applications can use.  

What are its disadvantages?

The main problem with SSL VPN is that it may be vulnerable from viruses and worms. This might infect the network of the company. With the abundance of computers connected to a single company network, it is easier for these files to infect. This is why it is important for a VPN to also have an anti-malware connection. 

Another concern is that Google and Bing which is commonly used by all users can cache the web pages of the person using the connection. This might make them susceptible to having lasting traces of their activities, making them less anonymous. Lastly, this type of connection can also be penetrated by hackers.  

What are the two types of SSL VPN?

The first type of SSL Tunnel VPN which is mainly used for internal network services. For enterprises, this pertains to visiting content that are only available for them. It is usually non web-based. Even though it is only within local content, this VPN still provides a tunnel between the user and the server which they want to access as to provide encryption and security for them. 

The second type is SSL Portal VPN allows users to create a connection towards a remote website. This mainly pertains to accessing websites outside of the local content. With this, the tunnel provided by the VPN is more important to keep the user safe from trackers. 

What is the most recommended VPN protocol?

Nowadays, SSL is no longer recommended because it can easily be hacked. Nowadays, top VPNs such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN does not support this anymore. Instead, the ones they promote are industry-standards such as IKEv2, L2TP, and OpenVPN. Among this, OpenVPN is the best option because it was implemented open-source which means that a lot of experts have analyzed its coding and looked for vulnerabilities. It is usually tested and updated to avoid bugs. 

Aside from this, L2TP/IPsec is the next most reliable security protocol because it is easy to use and is applicable for a lot of situations. It is not as secure as OpenVPN though. 

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