SSL Web Proxy - A Secure and Inexpensive Remote Access Implementation

The demand for a secure, inexpensive, and multi-platform solution is gaining momentum. For years VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) using the IPSEC protocol have proven to be a stable and secure remote access solution. However, in addition to the initial cost of the implementation, the time and cost of maintaining the clients are becoming more apparent. Furthermore, the need to support clients other than 'Window PCs' has increased. Within this paper, I will outline a system that I developed using the proven technology of SSL (Secure Socket Layer), and the combination of stable, secure Open Source software with some custom programming. The objective of this system is to allow external clients without any configuration changes to securely access our internal web applications via the Internet. With criteria declared, my objectives set and a vast sea of information via the Internet and the Open Source community before me, I was eager and confident that this journey would be successful. I have included all the paths that my research took me, because each path resulted in a great system. However for one reason or another, the system did not meet all of the criteria. But after many hours of research and development, a system was created that met the criteria and satisfied our needs.