A PPP-SSH
VPN is a very simple Virtual Private Network that you can use to create an
encrypted tunnel from one
computer to another. Everyone can benefit from a little encryption
in times like these, and this is just the thing for those up-to-date, fashion-conscious geeks who know that encrypting everything is
all the rage.
The concept of the PPP-SSH VPN is easy to understand.
PPP and
SSH are two common utilities that should be familiar to most anyone who uses *nix. You can use PPP to establish a
point-to-point connection between two computers, while using SSH to encrypt the
traffic. Finally, you should use a firewall (
ipchains/
iptables, for instance), to deny all traffic other than SSH. This is really handy if you
find yourself regularly connecting to a server over an
insecure network (the Internet).
Uses for a PPP-SSH VPN include:
- Daily automated transfer of files between computers.
- Forwarding your X11 traffic from your workstation to your laptop.
- Looking leet to all your luser friends. (That's what I use it for... ^_^)
- The possibilities are endless!
Why using PPP-SSH VPN might be the right thing
for you:
- It's easy to install and setup.
- You don't need a static IP address.
- You crave that encrypted goodness.
If this sounds like something you
want or need, you should check out what we "
insiders" like to call a
HOWTO. See the VPN PPP-SSH Mini-HOWTO over at the
Linux Documentation Project for a more detailed
explination of everything you've read here, including a very
handy setup script to initiate your connection. They'll walk you through setting up your first PPP-SSH VPN, and you'll be using that
biznitch in no time.