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OPSEC is a security integration platform that lets network administrators manage all aspects of security in an open extensible environment. OPSEC was originally created by Check Point Software, but has since become an industry-wide standard security framework. Over 150 partners offer OPSEC-compliant products.

OPSEC offers a complete set of interoperable security components to meet enterprise security requirements. A software development kit from Check Point is used to integrate security components with Check Point's FireWall-1/VPN-1. Any product that adheres to the OPSEC specification may be integrated.

The following security products and standards are integral parts of the OPSEC framework:

• RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service)    Dial-up authentication services. FireWall-1 and other access control devices can check with RADIUS servers before allowing access to a network or system.


• VPN (Virtual Private Network)    Check Point's VPN module supports tunnels over the Internet or intranets. IP packets are encrypted with a variety of algorithms. IPSec (IP Security) is also supported.


• X.509 Certificates    OPSEC supports the X.509 standard, which defines certificate format and management. X.509 certificates hold public keys and provide authentication for those keys by way of being signed by a certificate authority.


• SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)    OPSEC interoperates with SNMP, allowing security components to exchange messages with SNMP-compliant management systems such as HP OpenView, Sun Solstice; and IBM TME.


• LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol)    LDAP is a directory service that provides a global place to store and retrieve data such as user records and X.509 certificates.

The OPSEC Alliance is dedicated to guaranteeing interoperability at the policy level among security applications. The alliance certifies products and OPSEC compliance so customers can be assured of product integration.

Copyright (c) 2001 Tom Sheldon and Big Sur Multimedia.
All rights reserved under Pan American and International copyright conventions.