The majority of web-based applications use SSL/TLS for encryption. However, there are a number of other VPN protocols that can be used to encrypt traffic.
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Introduction
When it comes to choosing a VPN protocol, there are many options available. But which one is the best for your needs? In this article, we’ll take a look at which VPN protocol leverages web-based applications, and why it might be the right choice for you.
What is a VPN Protocol?
A VPN protocol is a set of instructions that defines how data is exchanged between computers over a VPN connection. The most common protocols are PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, SSTP, and IKEv2/IPSec. Each protocol has its own benefits and drawbacks, so you’ll need to choose the right one for your needs.
PPTP
Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) is the most commonly used protocol for VPNs. This is due largely in part to the fact that it is supported by major operating systems like Windows, Android, and iOS. PPTP uses a Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) connection to encapsulate data packets, making them unreadable to anyone who tries to intercept the transmission. Then, using GRE (Generic Routing Encapsulation), the data packets are sent through an IP tunnel.
One advantage of using PPTP is that it does not require any additional software to be installed on the client side. However, this protocol does have some security risks associated with it, which is why it is not recommended for use with sensitive data.
L2TP/IPSec
L2TP/IPSec is one of the most popular VPN protocols. It is a combination of the Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) and Internet Protocol Security (IPSec). L2TP is used to tunnel data and IPSec encrypts the data for security. This makes L2TP/IPSec one of the most secure protocols.
L2TP/IPSec is often used by businesses because it supports multiple OSes and can be used with IPv4 or IPv6. It is also considered to be very stable and fast.
One downside of L2TP/IPSec is that it uses a lot of CPU resources, so it can slow down your device. Another downside is that it is not available on all devices. For example, it is not available on Android or iOS devices.
SSTP
Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) is a VPN protocol that uses SSL to transported data.
SSTP was introduced in Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and Windows Server 2008. It is considered more secure than PPTP and L2TP/IPsec, but it is also more resource-intensive.
SSTP uses port 443, which is the same port used by SSL. This makes it difficult for firewalls to block SSTP traffic.
SSTP is a good choice for use with web-based applications, such as Outlook Web Access (OWA), because it encrypts all traffic, including headers and content.
IKEv2
IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2) is a tunneling protocol that was jointly developed by Microsoft and Cisco, which is why it’s often referred to as a ‘hybrid’ protocol. It’s also known as IPSec (Internet Protocol Security), and it’s considered one of the most secure protocols currently in use.
IKEv2 uses what’s called a ‘security association’ to protect data during transmission. This involves creating a ‘virtual tunnel’ between two devices, which encrypts the data passing through it. IKEv2 also uses what’s called a ‘perfect forward secrecy’ system, which means that even if one key is compromised, the rest remain secure.
IKEv2 is particularly well-suited to mobile devices such as phones and tablets, as it includes support for things like roaming and network switching. It’s also relatively easy to set up, which makes it a good option for people who are new to using VPNs.
OpenVPN
OpenVPN is a free and open source software application that implements virtual private network (VPN) techniques to create secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections in routed or bridged configurations and remote access facilities. It uses a custom security protocol[2] that utilizes SSL/TLS for key exchange. It is capable of traversing network address translators (NATs) and firewalls. It was written by James Yonan and is published under the GNU General Public License (GPL).
OpenVPN allows peers to authenticate each other using pre-shared secret keys, certificates or username/password. When used in a multiclient-server configuration, it allows the server to release an authentication certificate for every client, using signature and Certificate Authority. It uses the OpenSSL encryption library extensively, as well as the LZO compression algorithm.
OpenVPN has been ported to multiple platform including Linux, FreeBSD, OS X, iOS and Android. A Windows port was available up to version 2.3.2; since version 2.4 it has been replaced bycommunity-developed and third-party alternatives such as WireGuard and SoftEther VPN.[3][4][5]
OpenVPN uses a custom security protocol[2] that utilizes SSL/TLS for key exchange. It is capable of traversing network address translators (NATs) and firewalls.
OpenVPN allows peers to authenticate each other using pre-shared secret keys, certificates or username/password.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a VPN protocol that can improve your web-based applications, you should consider SSL/TLS. This technology uses encryption to protect your data, making it more difficult for hackers to access your information. Additionally, SSL/TLS can provide you with a faster connection speed, which can be beneficial if you’re using web-based applications that require a lot of data.