Network security protocols, such as encryption, protect data and communications during transit. They are necessary for secure e-commerce and to prevent interception, modification, and hijacking of communications. Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) and Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security (SSL/TLS) are commonly used to secure file transfers and email communications. SSL/TLS is also used for HTTPS to encrypt communications between browsers and web servers. Virtual private networks (VPNs) are essential for businesses, and commonly used protocols include PPTP, L2TP, IPsec, and SSH.
Network security protocols are used to protect computer data and communications in transit. The primary tool used to protect information as it travels across a network is encryption. Encryption uses algorithms to encrypt data so that it cannot be read by unauthorized users. Typically, encryption works with a set of procedures or protocols that manage the exchange of data between devices and networks. Together, these cryptographic protocols enhance secure data transfer.
Without cryptographic network security protocols, Internet functions such as e-commerce would not be possible. Secure communication is needed because attackers seek to intercept communications, modify messages in transit, and hijack exchanges between systems. Some of the activities that network security protocols are commonly used to protect are file transfers, web communication, and virtual private networks (VPNs).
The most common method of transferring files is using the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). One problem with FTP is that files are sent unencrypted, meaning they are sent unencrypted and therefore can be compromised. For example, many webmasters update their sites via FTP; an attacker using a packet sniffer and the website’s IP address can intercept all communication between the webmaster and the site’s server.
Alternatively, Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) offers a more secure way to transfer files. SFTP is usually based on Secure Shell (SSH) and is capable of encrypting commands and data transfers over a network, thus reducing the likelihood of eavesdropping attacks. The SSH cryptographic protocol is also resistant to impersonation attacks because the client and server are authenticated using digital certificates.
In addition to SSH, Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security (SSL/TLS) can be used as the underlying protocol for SFTP. Like SSH, SSL/TLS authenticates the identities of both the server and the client, as well as encrypting the communications between the two. In addition to secure SFTP file transfers, SSL/TLS is used to secure email communications.
SSL is also used in conjunction with Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to encrypt communications between a browser and a web server in the form of HTTP over Secure Sockets Layer (HTTPS). HTTPS encrypts communications and verifies the identity of a web server. When carrying out private transactions on the Internet, such as online banking, it is generally a good practice for a person to check the address bar of the browser to ensure that the website address starts with https:// and not just http:/ /.
Another area where cryptographic network security protocols play an important role, especially for modern businesses, is the exchange of documents between private networks over a public Internet connection. These so-called virtual private networks (VPNs) are essential for businesses because they securely connect workers and remote offices around the world. Some commonly used network security protocols to facilitate VPNs are Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP), IP Security (IPsec), and SSH. These network security protocols not only create a secure connection, but also greatly reduce the costs associated with setting up a workaround, such as building or leasing lines to create a private network.
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