IPsec (Internet Protocol Security)
IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) is a framework for a set of
protocols for security at the network or
packet processing layer of network communication. Earlier security approaches have inserted security at the
Application layer of the communications model. IPsec is said to be especially useful for implementing
virtual
private networks and for remote user access through dial-up connection to private networks. A big advantage of IPsec is that security arrangements can be handled without requiring changes to individual user computers. Cisco has been a leader in proposing IPsec as a standard (or combination of standards and technologies) and has included support for it in its network
routers.
IPsec provides two choices of security service: Authentication Header (AH), which essentially allows authentication of the sender of data, and Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP), which supports both authentication of the sender and encryption of data as well. The specific information associated with each of these services is inserted into the packet in a header that follows the IP packet header. Separate key protocols can be selected, such as the ISAKMP/Oakley protocol.
This was last updated in August 2000
Dig Deeper
-
You don't have to rely on Adobe's Acrobat Reader as your only PDF viewer; Google Chrome provides a secure PDF viewer that cuts down on your chances of falling victim to a PDF exploit.
-
Security researchers from Trustwave's Spiderlabs research team demonstrated malware,--including a Windows credential stealer--that uses automated processes to avoid detection and dupe forensics investigators.
-
Social engineering attacks trick users into installing rogue security software. Users need to be educated to avoid falling prey, and IT needs the tools to remove the fake security software.
-
People who read this also read...
-
Resources from around the Web