VPN Tracker Version 2.1 Enhances IPsec Usage and Security

Munich -- Boston, 2003-05-08: equinux today launched the new version 2.1 of VPN Tracker, a VPN client for Mac OS X, to deliver innovative new features to the Mac OS X community with regards to the encryption standard IPsec.

New encryption algorithms for very-high-security environments, advanced deployment due to the implementation of importing and exporting connections, and the possibility to adjust specific needs through the usage of scripts, significantly extend the VPN Tracker usability.

With the addition of the AES algorithm (Advanced Encryption Standard) – which has been approved by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for use in U.S. government organizations – VPN Tracker now delivers enhanced security to protect sensitive (unclassified) information. Supported key lengths for IPsec phase 1 and 2 include 128, 192 and 256 bits. In order to comply with corporate and governmental security policies, an additional option allows the pre-shared key to be entered upon connection establishment. The key will be stored in memory only and cannot be compromised when the computer is stolen.

Deployment of VPN connections for staff members is now greatly simplified by the possibility to export connection setups into a single file. The file includes all connection settings including the pre-shared key and certificates/CAs as necessary. All exported connections are encrypted with AES-256.

Further customization of IPsec connections can now be archived by using scripts, which are executed by VPN Tracker on the events of connection setup and establishment and when stopping IPsec.

Furthermore, the revised reliability and speed of automatic connection initiation when starting IPsec creates a further extended user interface. Even more comfort in usage of VPN Tracker is also enabled through the added new "Host to Everywhere" connection topology for connections to "0.0.0.0/0" (e.g. for securing AirPort connections). In addition, VPN Tracker adjusts to extensions on the Macintosh platform by improved compatibility with Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther).


Availability and Pricing

The unique VPN Tracker version 2.1 can be obtained as a download via the equinux website. A free 10-day demo period permits a full-featured trial prior to the purchase of a license.

VPN Tracker is available in both personal and professional editions. The personal edition has the capability to create certificate requests, on top of which the professional edition can create certificates and CA’s and sign certificate requests.

VPN Tracker 2.1 can now be purchased via download from the equinux website or from authorized VPN Tracker consultants worldwide. Pricing for the personal edition starts at $89,90 whilst that of the professional at $199,90.