VPNs are one of the most popular methods to establish remote connections. A VPN appears to your computer as a regular network connection. It is actually a virtual connection, also called a tunnel, that uses a regular WAN connection of many hops but looks like a direct connection to a remote network or computer. Most VPNs offer the option to encrypt traffic using different modes to meet different needs. However, strong security controls can degrade the performance of a VPN connection, which creates a hardship on users who rely on the VPN to accomplish work.

Address the following questions:

• Why do you need security controls on VPN tunnels?
• As a network administrator, you are responsible for protecting the internal network as well as providing adequate VPN connections to support your users, including senior management. Are there any scenarios in which speed would be more important than security? Why or why not?