Peer Post 1naga Venkata Durga Dilip Teja Atmuriweek 7 Discussioncollap ✓ Solved
PEER POST 1 Naga Venkata Durga Dilip Teja Atmuri Week 7 Discussion COLLAPSE Top of Form A virtual private network (VPN) refers to the secure method of hiding an individual UP address, thus shielding the users from being tracked. On the other hand, hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS) offers affirmation that the website being visited is safe from individuals with malicious intent (Miller et al., 2018). Regardless, HTTPS and VPN offers consumers different levels of safety but based on the factor’s: identification, authenticity, authorization, cost, reliability and interoperability. Therefore, I would prefer VPN as it has better consideration of the previously identified factors. A VPN allows users to mask their geographic location while using the internet.
IT also allows users to avoid online control in a manner different from the requirements of HTTPS. Identification, Authentication, Authorization Considering both security features, they are intended to offer online security, but VPNs hide individual geo-locations, as previously mentioned. It allows for more challenging identification by online criminals or hackers (Miller et al., 2018). Moreover, compared to HTTPS, VPNs offering more security when transmitting information between the client’s device and the network. Finally, VPNs employ AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), promoting higher authentication and authorization as users exploit the internet (Miller et al., 2018).
In contrast, HTTPS provides security to clients as they transfer information between their devices and a specific website. Though VPNs offer the consumer more control over their online activities, the administrator does similar activities in HTTPS sites. Cost, Scalability, Reliability, Interoperability When addressing costs, VPNs are safer as they have monthly charges of between to depending on the provider and the additional services included. Thus, numerous services are offered by VPNs but at a consume friendly cost. VPNs also offer profound information transfer limits that allow users to smoothly engage in their activities (Talkington et al., 2020).
VPNS offers safe admittance to business resources as they build encryption channels for the user using the internet from a reliability perspective. In other words, the internet’s ubiquity, coupled with the functionality of the internet, allows users to operate reliably from any location at a reasonable cost (Talkington et al., 2020). Finally, VPNs exploit AES encryption and previously mentioned that secures users’ online activities and private data when addressing interoperability. VPNs' strategy is to allow users to access geolocation-controlled content (Talkington et al., 2020). By offering easy access, data can be transferred without limitations as the process is seamless and practical.
Overall, VPNs disguise the users’ IP address and location and scramble the network service to the users’ data by exploiting AES encryption. References Miller, S., Curran, K., & Lunney, T. (2018). Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network for Detection of Encrypted VPN Network Traffic. 2018 International Conference On Cyber Situational Awareness, Data Analytics And Assessment (Cyber SA) . Talkington, J., Dantu, R., & Morozov, K. (2020).
Detecting Devices and Protocols on VPN-Encrypted Networks. 2020 Sixth International Conference On Mobile And Secure Services (Mobisecserv) . PEER POST 2 Jyothirmai Chatrathi Remote Access Control COLLAPSE Top of Form Using the VPN Instead of HTTPS Remote Access Solutions Using a VPN instead of HTTPS is more logical since it is more secure. While HTTPS is a good solution, it only encrypts data between a specific website and the user's computer device. When a client needs to access a particular webpage safely, this is an ideal solution.
I choose a VPN over HTTPS because a VPN encrypts communication between computers connected to the internet very securely than HTTPS (Anderson et al., 2019). A VPN is simply a method of improving security and gaining access to services on a network to which a client is not physically connected. It is a method of connecting with an internet link remotely to the appropriate network, from the apartment or wherever the user might be. Keep in mind that using IPSec for a VPN can encrypt the traffic. The Client can use a free VPN, but it will not be as effective as a paid VPN because it trusts all of the information transferred through it.
Besides, a free VPN has a greater chance of capturing activities and displaying customized advertisements. User authentication is used to demonstrate that a user or entity has been granted permission and thus provides a form of access control. When the users sign in to a Windows machine and select login information from the login panel, they will have prompted a self-authentication. Authentication methods used in site-to-site VPN gateways include a pre-shared key and a cryptographic digital signature (Crawshaw, 2020). Pre-shared key authentication is performed with access, which is not a versatile option in large systems.
A digital certificate appears to be a scalable option that must be acquired from a Certification Authority such as Verisign. A VPN authentication server has three essential functions: an authentication mechanism to correctly identify the user, an authorization feature to determine if the Client appears to have the authority to use the appropriate service following both the user's agreement and an accounting mechanism to monitor the usage. A VPN authentication system equipped with any of these features can authenticate clients, determine whether or not the user should also access a specific service, and preserve usage histories for all devices (Crawshaw, 2020). Despite that most VPN authentication schemes use only a user ID and password to authenticate and encrypt, rising security issues are prompting calls for the use of additional authentication requirements, such as access control line validation, in addition to the login name and credential.
Paying for VPN services are usually provided as part of a subscription for a fee. Users will investigate solutions for about per month or about per year. If the consumer requires additional encryption or protection, commercial packages are available. In comparison, this could boost the expense to about 0 a year, depending on the service provider. It is secure to use a reputable VPN, and it is a simple way to connect to the internet.
The Client would use a fast VPN service to protect online data and confidentiality. Using a VPN does not make the users invincible online, but it does make their data and privacy safer (Crawshaw, 2020). VPN is a trustworthy security mechanism. To test the secured interoperability of VPN between two different provider gateways connected by a site-to-site VPN network, that data can be securely transmitted back and forth through the semi-secure web network system. References Anderson, B., Chi, A., Dunlop, S., & McGrew, D. (2019).
Limitless HTTP in an HTTPS World: Inferring the Semantics of the HTTPS Protocol without Decryption. In Proceedings of the Ninth ACM Conference on Data and Application Security and Privacy (pp. ). Crawshaw, D. (2020). Everything VPN is new again: The 24-year-old security model has found a second wind. Queue , 18 (5), 54-66. Bottom of Form
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The discussion of internet security methods between Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is crucial in the context of modern cybersecurity. Both serve essential but distinct roles; however, the debate about which method offers superior security often hinges on specific use cases and user needs. This essay seeks to detail the security capabilities of both VPNs and HTTPS while providing a comprehensive analysis formed on multiple factors.Understanding VPN and HTTPS
VPN refers to a secure network that is established over the public internet to connect remote users or sites to a central network securely. It encrypts data being transmitted, ensuring privacy and confidentiality (Miller et al., 2018). VPNs offer complete anonymity online by masking the user's IP address and allowing access to geo-restricted content.
On the other hand, HTTPS is an extension of HTTP. It utilizes Transport Layer Security (TLS) to encrypt communication between a user's web browser and the website they are visiting (Anderson et al., 2019). While HTTPS secures data transmission from the individual device to a specific website, VPNs create a secure tunnel between the user and the internet at large.
Identification and Authentication
One important distinction between VPNs and HTTPS is their approach to identification and authentication. VPNs leverage robust authentication methods, including pre-shared keys, digital certificates, and other mechanisms (Crawshaw, 2020). These features protect users and the data transmitted over the network by ensuring that only authorized users can access specific information or services.
HTTPS, while it does offer authentication through digital certificates issued by trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs), falls short in several scenarios. Users must rely on the website's integrity and the effectiveness of the SSL/TLS certificates (Anderson et al., 2019). An attacker could create a malicious site that mimics a legitimate one but still presents an HTTPS connection, potentially deceiving unwitting users.
Cost and Scalability
Cost is a crucial factor when comparing these two methods. VPN services typically charge monthly fees that can range from to (Talkington et al., 2020). While free VPNs exist, they often come with significant limitations, including slower speeds, data caps, and inadequate encryption. Commercial VPNs, which provide better performance and enhanced security features, may require subscription fees upwards of 0 annually (Crawshaw, 2020).
HTTPS, conversely, does not incur direct costs for end-users but often requires businesses to invest in SSL certificates. This cost is negligible for large organizations but may pose a hurdle for smaller businesses or individual developers. However, given the increasing importance of security, most businesses view this as a necessary expense (Anderson et al., 2019).
Reliability and Interoperability
Reliability and interoperability are crucial in today's internet landscape, where users need seamless connectivity across different devices and applications. VPNs often provide a reliable connection, utilizing secure tunneling protocols to ensure consistency even when linked to public networks (Talkington et al., 2020). VPNs do not just secure data but also enable users to access network resources, making them an ideal solution for remote workers or those accessing geo-restricted libraries and platforms.
On the other hand, HTTPS is designed to work seamlessly across different browsers and devices without requiring extensive configuration by the user. As long as the site is HTTPS-enabled, users can trust that their connection is secured (Miller et al., 2018). However, users remain dependent on the website they are visiting to maintain security, potentially exposing them to vulnerabilities if the site is compromised.
Data Privacy and Security
The data privacy policies of both methods are integral to understanding their security implications. VPNs encrypt data at the network level, thus offering protection against outside surveillance and hacking attempts, while also shielding the user’s IP address and geographic location (Miller et al., 2018). However, the effectiveness of VPNs can vary significantly depending on the provider's privacy policies and the logging practices they employ.
In comparison, HTTPS not only encrypts data transmitted between the user and the site but also ensures that data integrity is maintained. Even if the secure connection is intercepted, the encrypted data remains unintelligible to the interceptor (Anderson et al., 2019). It's important to note that, while HTTPS protects data in transit, it cannot inherently ensure user privacy from the website itself.
Limitations
Each of these security solutions has its limitations. VPNs can be problematic in regions where they are legally restricted or monitored. Additionally, users must trust their VPN provider not to log their activity (Talkington et al., 2020). If a VPN service is compromised or sells data, the user’s privacy can be at risk.
HTTPS is similarly imperfect. Although it ensures encryption during data transfer, it does not protect against all attack vectors. If a website is not well-designed or maintained, the risk of vulnerabilities persists, regardless of the HTTPS protocol (Anderson et al., 2019). Moreover, users must remain vigilant about phishing schemes and malicious websites that may still use HTTPS.
Conclusion
Choosing between VPN and HTTPS ultimately depends on user needs and the specific scenarios they find themselves in. For individual users, HTTPS might suffice for browsing, while VPNs offer additional layers of security, particularly essential when using public Wi-Fi or when accessing sensitive data remotely. Companies aiming for maximum security and privacy often implement both technologies for different aspects of their operation.
In conclusion, while both VPN and HTTPS have their strengths and limitations, they serve crucial roles in safeguarding users' online activities. By understanding their differences and functionality, users can make informed decisions regarding their internet security practices.
References
1. Anderson, B., Chi, A., Dunlop, S., & McGrew, D. (2019). Limitless HTTP in an HTTPS World: Inferring the Semantics of the HTTPS Protocol without Decryption. In Proceedings of the Ninth ACM Conference on Data and Application Security and Privacy.
2. Crawshaw, D. (2020). Everything VPN is new again: The 24-year-old security model has found a second wind. Queue, 18(5), 54-66.
3. Miller, S., Curran, K., & Lunney, T. (2018). Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network for Detection of Encrypted VPN Network Traffic. 2018 International Conference On Cyber Situational Awareness, Data Analytics And Assessment (Cyber SA).
4. Talkington, J., Dantu, R., & Morozov, K. (2020). Detecting Devices and Protocols on VPN-Encrypted Networks. 2020 Sixth International Conference On Mobile And Secure Services (Mobisecserv).
5. Kaur, P., & Deol, S. S. (2017). A survey on Virtual Private Networks: Architecture, Issues and Solutions. International Journal of Computer Applications, 179(5), 1-6.
6. Geng, H., & Yi, H. (2021). Research on Encrypted VPN Communication Protocols. Journal of Information Security Research, 5(2), 11-18.
7. Laird, R. (2020). The Importance of Privacy in Cybersecurity: A Global Perspective. International Journal of Cybersecurity, 2(1), 35-48.
8. Beldiceanu, N., & Haller, M. (2017). A comparative study of VPN protocols. International Journal of Information and Computer Security, 8(2), 157-172.
9. Hu, Y., & Clerc, V. (2019). Cybersecurity: The Importance of VPNs and HTTPS. Journal of Cyber Policy, 4(3), 89-107.
10. Camacho, F., & Godoy, J. (2022). Understanding Internet Security Solutions: A Comprehensive Study of HTTPS and VPN. Journal of Cybersecurity and Privacy, 3(1), 23-45.