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IPsec_Report_Template (1)

The report provides an overview of Internet Protocol Security (IPsec), detailing its architecture, modes of operation, and key management through IKE. It highlights the importance of IPsec in securing communications over IP networks and its use in VPNs, while also addressing common attacks and their mitigations. The document concludes that IPsec is essential for maintaining data integrity, confidentiality, and authentication in modern cybersecurity infrastructure.

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Abdelrhman Mohmmed
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5 views

IPsec_Report_Template (1)

The report provides an overview of Internet Protocol Security (IPsec), detailing its architecture, modes of operation, and key management through IKE. It highlights the importance of IPsec in securing communications over IP networks and its use in VPNs, while also addressing common attacks and their mitigations. The document concludes that IPsec is essential for maintaining data integrity, confidentiality, and authentication in modern cybersecurity infrastructure.

Uploaded by

Abdelrhman Mohmmed
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Egyptian Russian University

Faculty of Artificial Intelligence

Academic Year: 2024/2025

Report

Program: Cyber Security

Course Name: Network Security

Course Code: CB 305

Instructor Name: Dr. Mohamed Nabil Hassan

Total Marks: 10

IPsec Report

Internet Protocol Security: Concepts, Architecture, and Applications

Student Name: ___________________________

Student ID: _____________________________

Submission Date: ________________________


Table of Contents
1. Introduction to IPsec

2. Why We Need Both IPsec and TLS/SSH

3. IPsec Architecture

4. IPsec Modes of Operation

5. Key Management with IKE

6. IPsec Security Features and Use Cases

7. Common IPsec Attacks & Mitigations

8. Conclusion

9. References
1. Introduction to IPsec
Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) is a suite of protocols designed to ensure the security of
communications over IP networks.
It provides data integrity, authentication, and confidentiality by encrypting and
authenticating each IP packet in a data stream.
IPsec plays a crucial role in virtual private networks (VPNs) and other secure
communications systems.

2. Why We Need Both IPsec and TLS/SSH


While IPsec operates at the network layer, TLS and SSH function at the transport and
application layers respectively.
IPsec secures all traffic at the IP layer, making it suitable for site-to-site VPNs. TLS is
used mainly for secure web communication (HTTPS),
while SSH provides secure access to remote devices. Combining them provides defense
in depth.

3. IPsec Architecture
The IPsec architecture consists of two main protocols: Authentication Header (AH) and
Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP).
AH ensures integrity and authentication, while ESP provides encryption. These protocols
rely on Security Associations (SAs),
which are agreements on how the communication will be secured.

Reference: RFC 4301 (Security Architecture for the Internet Protocol)

4. IPsec Modes of Operation


IPsec supports two modes:

- Transport Mode: Encrypts only the payload of the IP packet. It is used between hosts.

- Tunnel Mode: Encrypts the entire IP packet and adds a new header. It is commonly
used for VPNs.

5. Key Management with IKE


The Internet Key Exchange (IKE) protocol is used for secure key management in IPsec.
IKEv2, the latest version, simplifies the negotiation process
and enhances security. It operates in two phases: phase 1 establishes a secure channel,
and phase 2 negotiates SAs for IPsec.

Reference: RFC 7296

6. IPsec Security Features and Use Cases


Security Features:

- Confidentiality: Through encryption (ESP)

- Integrity: Ensures data is not modified

- Authentication: Verifies identity of sender

- Anti-replay protection

Use Cases:

- VPNs (site-to-site and remote access)

- Secure communications in enterprise and government networks

- Mobile and cloud data protection

7. Common IPsec Attacks & Mitigations


| Attack Type | Description | Mitigation |
|---------------------|---------------------------------------------|--------------------------------|

| Replay Attacks | Re-sending valid packets | Use anti-replay mechanisms


|

| Man-in-the-Middle | Intercepting and modifying packets | Authentication &


encryption |

| DoS Attacks | Flooding the connection | Rate limiting, filtering |

| Key Compromise | Stealing encryption keys | Frequent key rotation, IKE


|

8. Conclusion
IPsec is a foundational technology for securing IP networks. It ensures that data remains
private and unaltered during transmission.
Its versatility in both host-to-host and site-to-site configurations makes it invaluable in
modern cybersecurity infrastructure.

9. References
1. RFC 4301 - Security Architecture for the Internet Protocol

2. RFC 4303 - IP Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP)

3. RFC 7296 - Internet Key Exchange Protocol Version 2 (IKEv2)

4. William Stallings, “Cryptography and Network Security”

5. https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/ddos/glossary/ipsec-vpn/

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