VPNs a hit at CeBit
Major players such as Trend Micro and Check Point Software Technologies are highlighting this trend. Both were showing new versions of their popular VPN software packages. In many cases, companies that traditionally hadn't been involved with VPNs are now moving into the arena. For example, Zone Labs was showing a new version of its respected Zone Alarm Pro firewall software that now integrates directly with Cisco's VPN software. This new package, Integrity, ensures that the client using the Cisco VPN software has a secure firewall in place before the VPN tunnel is established.
One of the weak points in the VPN is the ability for either malicious code or malicious users to enter the VPN tunnel through the client. For example, a piece of malicious code could open the VPN client machine to outside users, who could then establish a VPN connection and gain access to what would otherwise be a protected network. Products such as Integrity ensure no such connections could exist before the connection is completed.
The VPN trend continues with hardware manufacturers, ranging from NetGear to D-Link, that have redesigned their firewalls to incorporate VPN support in the gateware hardware. As a result, the Internet gateway itself establishes the VPN connection, and all the computers on the local end have access to the VPN tunnel leading to the enterprise network.
This dramatic rise in new VPN products that secure network access is an indication that companies are getting more serious about protecting their enterprise 24/7 when employees or partners connect. And employees are asking that their VPNs be easier to use when they’re away from the office. The current pack of new VPN products at CeBit is a step in the right direction toward meeting these needs.
Do you think VPNs are worth the investment? E-mail me or talk back below.