|
Introduction to VPNs
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. The main purpose of a VPN
is to carry information securely between two or more trusted parties
using advanced encryption over a public network such as the Internet.
Sharing information like this is much more cost effective than using
dedicated leased lines.
Sharing information with a VPN also allows the possibility of remote
access from anywhere in the world using any Internet connection
available at that location.
There are many different applications of a VPN to enhance your
business. Read our section on the different applications
that a VPN can be configured for, or see how we have helped companies
get connected with a VPN on our case
studies page.
The role of the Firewall
The VPN depends entirely on an installation of a Firewall at each
end of the chain. A Firewall is a system that controls access between
two different networks. Generally Firewalls are configured to protect
a company's network from the outside world.
Just like a vandal can run around your neighborhood, putting graffiti
on walls, smashing phone boxes and steeling road signs, a hacker
can cause equivalent damage to your network. This kind of electronic
vandalism is more common than you might think. It could be an unkown
party that happened to stumble accross your unprotected system and
fancies making a nuisence of themselves. Or it could be a technically
minded ex-employee who knows exactly what they are looking for and
where to find it. This can often be the more damaging of the two
scenarios, and it does happen.
So this is essentially the purpose of the Firewall. For more information
on Firewalls and other security related issues, read
our article.
|
