Internet Protocol Security (IPsec)

Definition - What does Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) mean?

Internet protocol security (IPsec) is a set of protocols that provides security for Internet Protocol. It can use cryptography to provide security. IPsec can be used for the setting up of virtual private networks (VPNs) in a secure manner.

Also known as IP Security.

Techopedia explains Internet Protocol Security (IPsec)

IPsec involves two security services:

  • Authentication Header (AH): This authenticates the sender and it discovers any changes in data during transmission.
  • Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP): This not only performs authentication for the sender but also encrypts the data being sent.

There are two modes of IPsec:

  • Tunnel Mode: This will take the whole IP packet to form secure communication between two places, or gateways.
  • Transport Mode: This only encapsulates the IP payload (not the entire IP packet as in tunnel mode) to ensure a secure channel of communication.

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