IPSec/IKEv2
IKEv2 sets the foundation for a secure VPN connection by establishing an authenticated and encrypted connection. It was developed by Microsoft and Cisco to be fast, stable, and secure. It succeeds on all of these fronts, but where it really shines is its stability. As part of the IPSec internet security toolbox, IKEv2 uses other IPSec tools to provide comprehensive VPN coverage.
Pros
- Stability. IKEv2 usually uses an IPSec tool called the Mobility and Multihoming Protocol, which ensures a VPN connection as you move between internet connections. This makes IKEv2 the most dependable and stable protocol for mobile devices.
- Security. As part of the IPSec suite, IKEv2 works with most leading encryption algorithms, making it one of the most secure VPNs.
- Speed. It takes up little bandwidth when active and its NAT traversal makes it connect and communicate faster. It also helps to get through firewalls.
- It’s easy to set up.
Cons
- Limited compatibility. IKEv2 isn’t compatible with too many systems. This won’t be an issue for Windows users since Microsoft helped to create this protocol, but some other operating systems will need adapted versions.
- Potentially compromised by the NSA. It uses the Diffie Hellman process to securely exchange public keys needed to encrypt your traffic. Edward Snowden has previous revealed that the NSA may have discovered a way to break this procedure. These claims haven’t been confirmed, but diligent programmers, have patched up the issue.
- It has the same drawbacks as IPSec and can be blocked by firewalls.
When to use it?
IPSec/IKEv2 stability guarantees that you won’t lose your VPN connection when switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data, so it could be a good choice when you’re on the move. It also quickly bypasses firewalls and can offer high speeds on streaming platforms.
IKEv2 is based upon IPSec and was created as a joint project between Microsoft and Cisco. Although it’s not technically a VPN protocol, it behaves like one and helps to control IPSec key exchange.
It currently comes installed on any generation of Windows, starting with Windows 7. Plus, there is an existing implementation for Linux, Blackberry devices, and other platforms. If you’re a Blackberry user, it’s one of the few supported VPNs.
If you want a consistent VPN connection, even while switching networks, then this protocol can be very useful.
It’ll make sure you keep a VPN connection, even if your internet or connection drops. Plus, it’s stable, secure, and has high performance.
The core focus is for mobile users who demand a secure and private connection. Since it offers support for MOBIKE, it’s very resistant to any network changes. So, as you switch from a WIFI connection to a data connection the VPN connection will remain throughout.
It’s not widely supported but does offer better security levels than L2TP, as well as improved speeds and stability.
IPSec/IKEv2 Wikipedia Page
In computing, Internet Key Exchange (IKE, sometimes IKEv1 or IKEv2, depending on version) is the protocol used to set up a security association (SA) in the IPsec protocol suite. IKE builds upon the Oakley protocol and ISAKMP. IKE uses X.509 certificates for authentication ‒ either pre-shared or distributed using DNS (preferably with DNSSEC) ‒ and a Diffie–Hellman key exchange to set up a shared session secret from which cryptographic keys are derived. In addition, a security policy for every peer which will connect must be manually maintained.
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