SSL VPN

Unify security for user traffic to your organization’s resources, whether in the cloud or locally, with an SSL VPN solution from Perimeter 81.

What is an SSL VPN?

An SSL VPN is a type of virtual private network, a solution which enables users to securely access servers that host web pages, applications, and other types of commonly used resources via an encrypted connection.

VPNs are a common and reliable tool for remote access, and SSL VPNs are simply virtual private networks that use the cryptographic protocol Secure Socket Layer for this type of operation as opposed to a different protocol. This has its advantages and disadvantages.

The SSL protocol encrypts traffic between users and the resources they need to do their jobs – solutions like web or cloud-based SaaS applications, local utilities and storage hosted on organizational hardware, and client-server apps.

They do not need to download a software client or integrate any hardware to establish this encrypted connection, making it a lightweight and cost-effective, yet still very much secure option for scaling security with organizational growth.

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SSL VPN vs IPSec VPN

Both SSL and IPSec are types of Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols, and though both promote superior security for remote connections, they have distinct differences. SSL VPNs, for example, do not absolutely require an external software or hardware to use.

Most modern computers already contain the required SSL VPN client programs to establish a secure connection with SSL, with a popular example being from the user’s browser on their PC to web servers, where website content is hosted (this is the HTTPS in the URL bar).

By not requiring any additional installation or configuration, SSL VPN clients are more cost-effective as organizations don’t necessarily need to maintain expensive licenses or buy hardware. They’re also easier to use.

Additionally, SSL VPNs are more complementary to the user-centric network access model, meaning that users only gain access to network resources (largely SaaS applications such as Salesforce, Microsoft Azure, and others) that they absolutely need for their roles.

SSL is preferred for this type of least-privilege, and more secure connection, promoting an access model that can establish encrypted tunnels to specific applications and not the entire network but also making it more simple to assign specific users a policy that fits their individual access needs.

How Does a SSL VPN Work?

Since SSL VPNs are primarily known for their ability to protect communications via a user’s internet browser to and from outside resources, a vital part of the process is the website’s SSL certificate.

This is especially important because it allows the protocol to first identify the website correctly by its “digital ID card” and therefore get the authentication to secure the traffic going to the website from the user’s browser, and then display the relevant content.

Web based VPNs can be accessed through a GUI interface, if a login is required. Once logged in, users are connected securely to their network and can access resources in a secure manner. However, it’s important to note that not all SSL VPN solutions are web-based, or without a client or agent.

While some SSL VPNs work through the browser alone and need no installation, the lack of a standalone third-party SSL VPN client limits the content that’s accessible (and secured) through the VPN.

By downloading and using an SSL VPN client application, users can enjoy encrypted tunnels to multiple network resources and services that reside outside of the web. Some VPNs must be downloaded as an application first, in which case the process is similar:

The user launches his or her SSL VPN application, logs in, and then all traffic between them and the network resources they need are protected with an encrypted tunnel.

This also expands the variety of resources available – instead of website-based services the user can also reach local storage on servers owned by their organization, SaaS applications hosted on the cloud, and more.

Why Do Organizations Use SSL VPNs?

Organizations in the modern business environment typically use a hybrid-cloud approach, which include a mixture of resources used by their employees between locally owned servers (on their premises) and those hosted on third-party storage (referred to as SaaS or the cloud).

At the same time, these companies are allowing their employees to work from home or remotely, and so accordingly, SSL VPNs have become a crucial tool that makes this possible in a secure manner. The average organization uses at least 4 cloud-based applications which are accessed constantly by their employees, and more often than not, remotely.

This type of access model has transformed the network perimeter, and created a necessity to further secure employee traffic between devices (often their own personal computers and smartphones) and the network, on potentially unsecured Wi-Fi networks around the world.

With the ability to not only encrypt their connection fully, but also be required to login to this VPN encryption solution before access is granted, organizations can at least ensure that entrants into their network aren’t compromised.

Why is Perimeter 81’s SSL VPN Solution a Top Choice?

Perimeter 81 updates the unorganized, haphazard stack of security and network management features that are in place for many organizations. Remote connections and a larger array of third-party clouds and tools create gaps in the network for hackers, and so solutions like an SSL VPN are therefore literally the foundation of a modern security strategy.

Encrypted access is important under these conditions but it is not the only thing that’s required: many organizations are now looking for unified solutions that include VPNs but also many other functionalities and integration directly with the cloud.

While SSL VPNs let users take advantage of the resources in their organization’s network, they don’t have the user segmentation or policy creation capabilities required to follow a security model that pivots around users rather than the perimeter.

Instead of trusting all users with complete network access inside the perimeter, which is the bread and butter of any VPN, comprehensive Network as a Service solutions let organizations slice their network into tiny pieces and then assign relevant user access policies based on role, device, location, and more.

This approach is called Zero Trust, and it is easy to implement with a solution that hinges on a SSL VPN.

Defend the Network Flexibly with Perimeter 81 SSL VPN Solution

Perimeter 81’s cloud-native FWaaS is a vital part of our Network as a Service platform, and enables superior traffic security for your network.

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Capabilities of SSL VPN Solution

One Unified Panel
One cloud-based platform to connect and secure all local and cloud resources on your network. Includes access management, monitoring, security and more.

Global Firewall Network
Segment your network for global users and put their resources close to them. Our edge network is made up of 50+ data centers providing fast and safe network access.

Complement FWaaS Security
Enable 2FA, single sign-on, and automatic Wi-Fi protection across mobile devices using iOS and Android, PC and Mac desktops and the web when connected.

Zero Trust Access
Reduce the attack surface and make your network a moving target, by implementing least-privilege access policies on top of your broader firewall rules.

What Our SSL Solution Offers Organizations

Security on All Devices: BYOD policies multiply the number and variety of devices connecting to your network. Ensure only authorized devices connect to your virtual desktops with NaaS endpoint security.

Cloud Agnostic Integration: The ease with which our solution integrates into your virtual office, whether local or cloud-based, enables organizations to protect all their resources in unified fashion.

Superior Quality Assurance for Marketing: Connecting to the network through a diverse global server array allows marketing teams to mask their identity and location, enabling them to determine how successful their current advertising efforts are for various localities and environments.

Safe Remote Access: Automatic Wi-Fi security lets remote workers connect to sensitive resources from the public internet without fear of exposure, while encrypted tunnels shield data sharing from prying eyes.

Precise User Segmentation: Beyond the capabilities of traditional security solutions, the addition of granular policy-based permissioning helps organizations exercise greater control over those entering their virtual infrastructure.

IP Whitelisting: Explicitly define the IP addresses that are allowed to access the network, granting IT teams a stronger grip on security and also the ability to assign static IPs to automatically trusted sources of traffic.