Is Barracuda ssl vpn safe? This Barracuda network ssl vpn review reveals if Barracuda ssl vpn is legit, safe or scam and fake. Barracuda ssl vpn complaints, god and bad feedback of users also reviewed. So, If are looking for truthful Barracuda ssl vpn reviews, you are welcome.
What is Barracuda SSL VPN?
The internet comes with many benefits, and one of such benefits is the possibility of interconnection between business units/ users in transit and remote units, allowing for persons even away from the physical workspace to connect to companies network and conduct their work. However there are certain risks involved when effecting connections over an insecure network: there is the threat of hackers and cyber fraudsters stealing enough information to defraud the organization, the threat of corporate espionage where rival organizations could intercept company secrets, and so much more.
Barracuda Networks comes as an SSL VPN solution to allow users to connect to a private network and use its systems, while avoiding unnecessary exposures that would present serious problem for the organization.
Thus, Barracuda SSL VPN is not your regular VPN; while the regular VPN services provide VPN tunnels for individuals to use in spoofing locations, Barracuda provide provides hardware and software for companies to set up a VPN over their company’s network. This review will look at the Barracuda SSL VPN to determine how they fare in giving secured remote access?
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Is Barracuda SSL VPN safe and legit?
Barracuda SSL VPN is safe and legit to use. In fact, Barracuda SSL VPN is one of the popular networks online. It is highly safe, you do not need to be afraid. And there have never been a complaint about Barracuda SSL VPN being insecure.
Barracuda SSL VPN complaints and feedback:
Barracuda SSL VPN currently has no complaint or bad feedback. Also, a very few feedback was found which all said positive things about Barracuda SSL VPN.
Ease Of Use
Barracuda networks use the secure sockets layer (SSL) function that is already built into a modern web browser; allowing users with internet connection to simply launch a web browser to establish remote-access VPN connections.
This make Barracuda SSL VPN very easy to use for end users. Unlike IPSec based VPN vendors which may have different implementation and configuration requirements, the Barracuda SSL VPN is client-less. You do not have to install any VPN app on your device; all you need is a modern web browser and an internet connection. End users even get to choose their favourite web browser. Furthermore, after launching the web browser, accessing network resources is just a matter of going to a web portal.
Barracuda SSL VPN Features
Client-less VPN
I’ve said it before that Barracuda is client-less and does not require installing any client software on remote machines. Then, it translated to ease of use because it allows users to secure access from their favourite web browser on any operating system. Here, it translates to IT cost reduction because it removes the overhead of installing and maintaining VPN client software
Secured Remote Access
Barracuda SSL VPN is aimed at businesses to give secured remote access. Remote access makes it possible for people to work effectively even when away from the physical workspace.
With Barracuda SSL VPN, secured remote access is guaranteed, allowing workers to connect to services hosted on remote networks without exposing sensitive organizational information. One consistent theme in users’ review of the Barracuda Network is that it allowed easier and better access for workers who do not work directly in the office.
Granular Resource Management
Barracuda’s SSL Network goes one better than the IPSec based VPNs because it can streamline connections to services, allowing for centralized access control for a variety of organizational resources.
Administrators of the Barracuda VPN network selectively authorize traffic to approved resources. For example, users can be placed into groups, and differing levels of access can be granted to the different groups. By such a human resource personnel will be given access to only human resource related files; while a Secretary would have access to basic enterprise resources such as email and calendars.
Multiple Authentication
Barracuda SSL VPN ensures that unauthorized person with VPN access do not automatically gain access to internal resources of a company. Only pre-issued certificates are accepted to effect connection. The service supports multiple factors of authentication, so that at least two user identification credentials will be authenticated before VPN connection will be effected. This adds an extra layer of security.
Antivirus
While you need a VPN to protect data that you’re transmitting online, you also need an antivirus to protect your devices and the data stored in them. You need the latter protection because cyber criminals can use computer viruses to get at sensitive information stored in your devices, and also to cause irreparable damage to the devices. Anti virus has been described as the “policeman at the gate of a computer system“. It blocks all incoming threats, and also seek out and destroy possible threats to the system. As a result, at additional cost, users typically buy an antivirus suite to complement a VPN service for all round protection.
Barracuda SSL VPN comes with antivirus protection. The VPN automatically scans files (uploaded to the network file system and from intranet web applications) for viruses, spyware, and other malware. It doesn’t end there. New viruses are coming out all the time; therefore any serious antivirus must keep up with the latest threats, by regularly updating the antivirus database definitions in order to counteract latest threats. Barracuda VPN responds with the “Barracuda Energize Updates” which keep virus definitions current in real time, and this prevent even the latest malware from uploading to the network. This antivirus protection comes at no extra cost.
Virtual keyboard
How often do you climb under your desk and look to check for that odd connector between your computer keyboard and the computer? Even paranoid users who do such visual inspection may only identify hardware-based keyloggers; they will still be defeated by keylogging software programs.
Keyloggers were developed to ethically track activity on devices; employers may use them to observe the computer activities of their employees, and parents may use them to monitor the internet activities their children. However, like every other technology, abuse is inevitable. Keyloggers are now effectively used as spyware tools by cyber criminals to steal sensitive information. Keyloggers work by capturing each and every keystroke when users type on the keyboard.
Barracuda SSL VPN comes with a feature that help prevent keylogging attacks – the virtual keyboard. The virtual keyboard allows you input data by clicking on on-screen characters; thus, you circumvent using a physical keyboard, and prevent the capturing of your keystrokes by insidious elements.
Automatic cache cleaning
For all the benefits of caching, the cache can compromise privacy and leave users vulnerable to hackers. When you visit a website, the web pages are temporarily stored in the device’s storage in the browser’s cache. This means another person using the device can call up the web pages you visited and get access to your personal and sensitive information. Especially where you use a public computer system, and in offices where others might have to use your computer system; cache pose serious privacy threat.
Barracuda SSL VPN comes with an automatic cache cleaning feature. When a user logs out or disconnects, the cache-cleaning utility automatically clears session data from the user’s web cache and history. This prevents you from inadvertently exposing your confidential information to the next user of the system via your browsing history.
Although cached files can be manually cleared, Barracuda SSL VPN automatic cache cleaning saves you the time and effort; and allows you access the Barracuda Network even from public systems with peace of mind, knowing that you are secured from the privacy threats posed by cached files.
PROTOCOL AND ENCRYPTION
Barracuda SSL VPN supports the L2TP/IPsec and PPTP protocols. Well, PPTP was the standard for VPN connection even before the 21st century; so it is pretty outdated, and the most insecure among its protocol peers. However, Barracuda Network PPTP protocol uses 128-bit key encryption which is not great, but good. This makes the PPTP protocol still relevant for internal business VPNs. It provides other benefits: it gives high performance (speed), it’s already installed on most devices and platform and requires no third party client, and its is easy to setup.
On the other hand, the L2TP/ IPsec protocol uses 256-bit encryption. As far as encryption goes, this is the highest encryption level. This, the protocol gives high security and is a decent alternative to the oft recommended OpenVPN protocol.
Speed
A VPN service will make for frustrating use if it does not give serviceable speeds. Generally, using a VPN reduce internet speed. The speed drop is as a result of (i) the encryption involved, and (ii) the rerouting of data packets through great distances.
With the Barracuda SSL VPN, there is still encryption to impact speed, but the distances that data packets have to travel are greatly reduced. Theoretically, the setup would make for better speeds. However, since the VPN Network is designed to run within a business’ IT systems, the company’s connection speeds will greatly affect the VPN speed.
Barracuda SSL VPN Price
There are six models of the Barracuda SSL VPN. The total price for each model consist of a fixed price for the console, a mandatory fee for ‘Energize’ updates and an optional fee for instant replacement of product. The Energize updates among other things help keep virus definitions current; while the replacement arrangement will protect againstequipment failure.
The Model 180 allows 15 concurrent users. The console cost $700. The Energize Updates for this model cost: 1 Year – $200, 3 Years – $500, 5 Years – $800. Instant Replacement cost are: 1 Year – $150, 3 Years – $400, 5 Years – $600. Thus, the lowest total cost (taking up one year Energize updates and one year product replacement cost) will be $1050.
The Model 280 allows a maximum of 25 concurrent users. The console cost $1,500. The Energize Updates for he model cost: 1 Year – $400, 3 Years – $1,000, 5 Years – $1,600. While the product replacement cost are: 1 Year – $350, 3 Years – $900, 5 Years – $1,400. Thus, the lowest total cost is $2,250.
The Model 380 allows a maximum of 50 concurrent users. The console cost $2,000. The Energize Updates of the model cost: 1 Year – $500, 3 Years – $1,500, 5 Years – $2,000. The product replacement cost are: 1 Year – $450, 3 Years – $1,150, 5 Years – $1,800. The total cost is $2,950.
The Model 480 allows a maximum of 100 concurrent users, and comes with Redundant Disk Array (RAID). The console cost $4,000. The Energize Updates for the model cost: 1 Year – $1,100, 3 Years – $2,800, 5 Years – $4,400. The product replacement costs are: 1 Year – $900, 3 Years – $2,300, 5 Years – $3,600. The lowest total cost is $6,000.
The Model 680 has all the features of the Model 480, adds ECC memory and increase number of concurrent users to 500. The console cost $9,000. The Energize Updates for this model cost: 1 Year – $2,400, 3 Years – $6,100, 5 Years – $9,600. The product replacement costs are: 1 Year – $2,000, 3 Years – $5,100, 5 Years – $8,000. The lowest possible cost for the total package is $13,400.
The Model 880 is the premium offering of Barracuda SSL VPN. It adds hot swappable power supply to the offering of the Model 680, and increases maximum concurrent users to 1000 users. The console cost $25,000. The Energize Updates of the model costs: 1 Year – $6,700, 3 Years – $17,100, 5 Years – $26,800. The product replacement costs are: 1 Year – $5,500, 3 Years – $14,000, 5 Years – $22,000. The lowest possible cost for a complete package of the model is $37,200.
Their prices shows that Barracuda SSL VPN is not for the individual user, but for companies looking to establish their own VPN. At $1050 the basic offering is quite inexpensive for an organization of 15.
One fine thing about Barracuda is that they allow a 30-days free trial for organizations to evaluate the service. One can sign up for the trial by filling a form available on their website.
Barracuda Networks handles all sales and related enquiries through an online reseller (Barraguard). However, they do not allow online purchase for regions outside the United States.
Customer Support
Barracuda Network is a robust international company, and they have a robust support service to match. They have a 24/7 telephone support service; this is very impressive as almost all the VPN services that features telephone support limit its use to only working hours. Barracuda also has a 24/7 email service, backed with very fast respone times. They also feature a live chat, which is right on the landing page of their website; and it allows you direct contact with a rep even without being a paid customer.
Other supports channels include: free webinars to learn more and ask questions about the Barracuda service; free Skype account for audio visual support; and social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube). Barracuda Networks also have resources in the self help categories: FAQS, guides and tutorials. These are all available on their website.
Privacy Concerns
Logging
The Logging Policy of Barracuda Networks does not affect users’ privacy the same way as with the logging policies of the IPsec based VPN services. This is because after Barracuda sets up a VPN network for a company, it leaves the company (its IT department) to run the system. The system is fully customizable allowing the system administrator any particular level of logging and monitoring. Therefore, any logging privacy concern will be deceived from the logging policy of the purchasing company, and not on the logging policy of Barracuda Networks.
Jurisdiction
Barracuda is based in California in the United States. Usually, users have certain privacy concerns with VPN services located in the U.S., but these concerns are also non-existent with the Barracuda SSL VPN.
For the same reasons that Barracuda’s logging policy is meaningless in discussing VPN privacy concerns, their jurisdiction is also meaningless. As explained, the operation of the VPN network is in-house, involving only the purchasing organization.
If authorities bring valid subpoenas to Barracuda, sure Barracuda will respond and hand over the name and address of the organization that purchased the service; but the revealed information has nothing to do with the VPN use.
Conclusion
Barracuda SSL VPN is not for you except you have a business and need secured remote access connections. Barracuda SSL VPN have a lot of security features to ensure that remote connections do not result in exposure of sensitive organiztional data: secured VPN protocol with industry standard encryption, multiple factor authentication, anti-keylogging virtual keyboard tool, automatic cache cleaning, and a full antivirus kit.
Their prices reflect that the service is aimed at businesses and not individuals; but I’ll want to see online purchase made available for regions outside the United States.
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