NCP engineering expands IPSec VPN secure entry client

NCP engineering released NCP Secure Entry Client 9.1, with new, key features aimed at making VPN security a “one-click and forget it’ experience for users.

The bundled software is equipped with a GUI that any user can understand to control the VPN client. New features include:

• Gateway Compatibility – Once the client has been installed on a device, users can connect to third-party IPSec gateways without needing to change settings or certificates. The import function automates the acceptance of existing profiles, seamlessly supporting the Cisco’s .pcf files, WatchGuard’s .wgx files, SafeNet’s .spd files and NCP’s own Secure Enterprise Server.
• Wireless Service Provider Roaming (WISPr) support – Users can connect any device to a hotspot without having to logon through an Internet browser. Through support of the major North American hotspot login protocol, WISPr, the NCP Secure Entry Client enables users to establish a VPN connection with only one click—and makes network interaction faster.
• Roaming Support – Users can maintain a secure IPSec connection while they move from hotspot to hotspot. There is no downtime, lag in service or need to re-establish a connection to any network with version 9.1. The NCP Secure Entry Client remains stable through any user roaming activity.
• Budget Manager for Wireless Minutes – This integrated component enables users to monitor the costs of all available VPN connection types to choose the least costly way to connect to the Internet, including UMTS, GPRS and WLAN. Users can set and enforce device airtime or cost limits for themselves by establishing dollar or minute budgets according to basic provider rates. If these set limits are exceeded, users will receive warning notices, or their VPN connection attempts will be hindered. The Budget Manager also allows for the restriction or disabling of roaming.

The full feature set for the NCP Secure Entry Client includes a dynamic personal firewall, data encryption, Friendly Net Detection, and one-time password token and certificate support through a public key infrastructure (PKI). It can also be integrated with a network access control (NAC) component to ensure highly secure access to central data networks.