When deciding whether to use VPN, what items do you consider? What do you then consider when selecting, deploying, and maintaining VPN?
When interviewing for a role to manage a Virtual Private Network, you will be asked various questions. The interviewer is likely to start with a similar question to determine what criteria you use when selecting a VPN and how you implement and manage it. Assuming you're qualified for this role, this should be easy for you to answer. It is recommended that before the interview, you research the company's existing technology solutions so you can align your answers with what they already have in place. Don't be afraid to suggest new technologies which will improve the performance of their network. This will set you apart from other candidates.
"There are several different criteria I use to determine if a VPN is required to enhance the security of a network, especially if there are already firewalls in place. My research indicated that you are currently using an IPsec solution. I favor this approach, even though this technology is continuing to evolve. Some of the specific criteria I use include:
- Does the existing network security solution protect the network, or are additional measurements required?
- If the VPN solution is not currently part of the firewall, will it work with the existing firewall?
- Will the proposed solution be Interoperable with other IPsec compliant vendors?
- Does it have strong encryption with long key lengths?
- Does the VPN product work both with and without trust?
- Does the VPN support the automatic creation of user-level VPNs for mobile users?
- Has the VPN been certified?
- How will the VPN impact the performance of the network and specific applications?
- What is the cost of implementing and maintaining the VPN?"
