ComputerWorld: Hackers, IT consultants embrace free security tool [FreeS/WAN]

“One tool that met the standard for hacker information
technology consultants is the Linux FreeS/WAN project, free,
open-source Linux-based server software that uses strong encryption
to create secure data tunnels between any two points on the
Internet — a badly needed alternative to expensive, proprietary
virtual private networks (VPN).

FreeS/WAN uses the proposed IPsec protocol, an
interoperable global standard for securing IP connections. It
automatically encrypts data packets at 6M bit/sec. and creates
secure gateways in a VPN without modifying the operating system or
application software. A PC running FreeS/WAN can set up a
secure tunnel in less than a second.”

“…Kurt Seifried, an independent security consultant from
Edmonton, Alberta, who uses FreeS/WAN to create secure networks for
corporate customers… is encouraged by a recent announcement by
the Ontario Information and Privacy Commission that pointed out
that the Internet is insecure and urged everyone to learn to use
strong encryption. “

“…Seifried used FreeS/WAN to connect client machines on either
side of two firewalls. He said it created a negligible load on the
network and could be run on cheap $500 PCs with two network cards
to create a gateway. The system costs $3,000 in hardware for five
locations, as opposed to $15,000 for a commercial VPN…”

“FreeS/WAN’s biggest drawback, according to Seifried, is that
the last stable release is several months old and it doesn’t work
with the new Linux kernel Version 2.0. He advised users to examine
several FreeS/WAN snapshots and recommended the June 14th
snapshot.”

Complete
Story