VPN - Virtual Private Network

A useful implementation of encryption is the VPN or Virtual Private Network. A VPN is like a tunnel which connects to two separate networks or systems. The communications are encrypted, therefore acting like a tunnel, preventing outsiders from seeing the traffic. The VPN can run on dedicated hardware or be little more than installed software on a firewall.

VPN implementation can reduce company costs. Dedicated leased lines can be cancelled in favor of VPN tunnels crossing the Internet.

SSL is a type of encryption used throughout the web. Almost all browsers come with SSL in their default installation. The browser connects to a web server such Microsoft IIS with SSL configured. Since the browser is the VPN client there is no maintenance overhead for the endpoints. Today many organizations are moving towards clientless VPN solutions, otherwise known as SSL VPN, to allow access to other non web based systems on their network.