Virtual Private Networks For Dummies

Let's face it: the information age makes dummies of us all at
some point. One thing we can say for sure, though, about things
related to the Internet is that their best strengths are often also
their worst weaknesses. This goes for virtual private networks
(VPNs). They may reach a wide base of
customers - but can also be vulnerable to viruses,
hackers, spoofers, and other shady online characters and entities.
VPNs may allow for super-efficient communication between customer
and company - but they rely on information which,
if compromised, can cause huge losses. The Internet is still a
frontier - sometimes so wide open it leaves us
bewildered - and, like any frontier, the risks go
hand in hand with potentially huge rewards.

Virtual Private Networks for Dummies offers you a
no-nonsense, practical guide to evaluating your company's
need for a VPN, understanding what it takes to implement one, and
undertaking the challenging quest to set it up, make it work, and
keep it safe. Whether you're the resident expert leading the
project team, or you just want to learn what makes e-commerce tick,
this detailed, from-the-ground-up guide will soon have you
comfortably conceptualizing:

* Security goals and strategies

* The evolution of VPNs

* Privacy in VPNs

* Extranets

* Remote-Access VPNs

* Funding

* Custom network solutions design

* Testing VPNs

* And more

With new products and technologies offering supposedly
revolutionary solutions to IT departments every day, this book
focuses on the real world - you know, the one full
of obstacles, mishaps, threats, delays, and
errors - and gives you the background knowledge to
make decisions for yourself about your VPN needs. Written with a
dash of humor, Virtual Private Networks for Dummies contains
both technical detail (standards, protocols, etc.) and more general
concepts (such as conducting cost-benefit analyses). This clear,
authoritative guide will have you securely and cost-effectively
networking over the Internet in no time.