Virtual private networks (VPNs) are used by many organisations to provide secure and confidential communications over untrusted networks such as the internet. Using a combination of strong encryption and authentication technologies, VPNs allow an organisation to use public networks to transport private data. The data flows are secured to pass across the internet, linking the two endpoints as if via a private circuit. A 'tunnel' is created through the untrusted network and all data inside is unreadable to prying eyes. This article will discuss VPNs and the two main technologies used to implement them today: IPSEC and SSL.
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