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What is an ssl vpn and what does it do?

Kelly Avatar By: Kelly | Last updated November 14, 2020

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What is an ssl vpn?

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is a type of VPN protocol that uses SSL or its successor TLS encryption to secure communication between a server and a web user. That way, a web browser can access a restricted network of a region remotely through a secure and authenticated pathway. The provider encrypts your entire traffic network and makes it look like you are in that region's local network, regardless of your geographical location.  

 

One of the main reasons this technology is used by many organizations is to prevent unauthorized parties from encroaching on network communication and modifying sensitive data. Secondly, it offers a secure and flexible option for employees to remotely connect to private enterprise networks.   

There are two primary types of this provider, namely, SSL VPN portal and SSL VPN tunnel. SSL portal VPN allows one SSL VPN connection to a remote website at a time. As the name implies, it is a portal that leads to many other applications. Users can access the VPN gateway remotely using any modern browser. However, your web browser must be authenticated through a method supported by the gateway. For instance, you will only use the password provided by the gateway service.   

On the other hand, SSL tunnel VPN enabled web browsers to securely access multiple network services that are web-based or not web-based, via a tunnel that is running under SSL. The tunnel is like a circuit established between web browsers and the VPN server. The server can automatically connect to one or more network services or resources at a time.  Hopefully this brief into will explain to you what an ssl vpn is. 

Advantages of an SSL VPN

One of the most common advantages of this VPN provider is that it uses TLS technology. This is a common modern browser that does not require any additional installations for connection. The majority of internet computers already have the necessary installation to connect to an SSL VPN. This saves you from installing specific client software. This feature makes it easier to use than the traditional VPN. Even more, the encryption created by TLS technology is very strong and guarantees a more secure connection than the traditional one.  

SSL based VPNs don't have a steep learning curve or complex tutorials. They are straightforward and the fact that they don't rely on the widely used web client makes it even better. You have the freedom to choose any web browser and it doesn't matter the operating system your device is running.   

This provider operates at a transport layer that enables tunneling to a specific app when network-wide access is not necessary. For instance, network traffic can be split into a securely tunneled channel for accessing protected applications. Or, a none tunneled circuit for access to the public application. This is an added layer in data security and safety.   

Unlike other tunneling security protocols, SSL VPNs only require authenticated browsers to establish a secure network. You don't have to go through the process of downloading any additional software or the complex process of creating an SSL VPN.  

Since the provider builds a tunnel to a specific application rather than the entire enterprise network, their servers can be configured to build a more precise access control. With this, web browsers on SSL VPN connections can be limited to only the application to which they have been granted, instead of the whole network. 

Final thoughts on SSL VPNs.

VPN is becoming the norm of every sector that requires security including corporate and education environments. For that reason, the technology should be simplified and expanded to make it straightforward and accessible to everyone. That is one area SSL VPN has really helped to achieve. You realized that this VPN protocol gets a lot of reputation when it comes to ease of use. 

In essence, the provider is usable even by those with minimal computer literacy. It is easily accessible from within any modern computer devices and very easy to navigate. Besides, you can configure it to make it offer the same level of security as an IPSEC VPN protocol. With that being said, there is no need to struggle with antiquated VPN protocols, have your enterprise online traffic fully secured with this easy to use modern protocol.  

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