System to protect remote access at mid-sized firms

Network security vendor WatchGuard and access software vendor Citrix last week released a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) virtual private network (VPN) system to protect remote access in mid-sized enterprises.

The system consists of Watchguard’s Firebox SSL Core hardware running Citrix’s Secure Access software. Watchguard’s Richard Reid said the system will be able to work with WatchGuard’s Firebox X firewall or other third-party firewalls.

“We are using Citrix’s implementation of its enterprise SSL technology and running it on our hardware. SSL has a good adoption rate in the enterprise because it’s easily manageable,” added Reid.

Joel Conover of analyst company Current Analysis said, “The combination of Citrix’s SSL VPN technology with Watch- Guard’s SMB [Server Message Block protocol]-optimised hardware creates a powerful, easy-to-deploy SSL VPN solution with enterprise-class functionality.”

For mobile workers, the Firebox SSL can operate in two modes. In Secure Access client mode a lightweight client is deployed on the user’s system; while in Kiosk mode users connect with a standard browser and the Firebox SSL transforms any content accessed.

In Secure Access mode, registry checks can ensure key security software is present, and file checks ensure system patches are up to date. Processes can be monitored to check that a personal firewall is running. In Kiosk mode Secure Shell (SSH) and one-click access to shared network drives is possible.

The WatchGuard Firebox SSL supports Windows 2000 Professional and XP platforms and all types of Linux using version 2.4 of the kernel. The Firebox SSL is priced at £1,795 + VAT for a five-user licence, and it can scale up to a maximum of 205 concurrent users.