Current version of IP and its security features |
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EXPERT RESPONSE FROM: Stephen Mencik

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QUESTION POSED ON: 13 March 2002
Could you explain what current version(s) of IP are in use? Reviewing
material dated from 1996 on, I see references to IP V4, IPng (next
generation) and IP V6. In addition, I have read material from NIST related to
IPsec, which adds authentication and encryption to IP (V4?). My
understanding is that IP V4 has little or no 'security.' What is the
'current' IP, and what security features (authentication, encryption, etc.)
does it have?
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There is no easy answer to your question, as there are probably
implementations of each that are in use today. However, the older IP V4
is used more than the others. IPsec is used by many of the VPN
devices currently being marketed. IP V6 will likely slowly become
the standard, but it includes an IP V4 compatibility mode so that
the transition from IP V4 can occur without having two disconnected
Internets. At what point the Internet will become purely IP V6 is
anyone's guess. The push for IP V6 will come mainly due to IP address
space reasons (we're running out of IP numbers just like we're running
out of area codes), not for security reasons.
As you noted, IP V4 does not have any inherent security features
built in. You may want to refer to a question I answered on Feb. 26 regarding
security loopholes in TCP/IP for more information.
For more information on this topic, visit these other SearchSecurity resources:
Best Web Links: IP Security
Ask the Expert: Security risks of TCP/IP
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