Security: Telnet/SSH Solutions vs Web Based Solutions

Many companies need to manage data communications between barcode scanners and warehouse servers, as well as other local and remote computers on their network. With sensitive data, companies are increasingly concerned about the potential for a hacking attempt. There are a number of high-profile hacking cases in the media, and nobody wants to be the victim of the next data breach. 

To select the right software for data transfer, companies need to know the differences between Telnet/SSH solutions and web-based solutions. While there are some fundamental differences, this article will go in depth on the security differences between the two products. 

Web-Based Solutions Security 

Did you know that all of the high-profile hacking cases involve web servers, browsers, or wireless access? Maintaining security for a web-based solution is a constant chore, and there is no bullet-proof option. 

With Web-based solutions, the security is implemented using SSL/TLS, which offers good security as long as the various algorithms stay ahead of the technological advancements of hackers. It is important for administrators to ensure that the versions of SSL/TLS are the same on the server and the client. 

For example, with TLS, up through version 1.2 the TLS cipher suites define the key exchange authentication, encryption algorithms, MACS and pseudorandom functions. However, TLS version 1.3 includes performance improvements as well as specifies a different cipher suite structure.  The symmetric algorithms all use Authenticated Encryption with Associated Data algorithms. 

Let me say it more simply: TLS version 1.2 and 1.3 cipher suites use different structures and are not compatible. The client and the server must have the same versions. Version 1.2 has unsafe algorithms that are easily exposed if not configured properly. 

TLS version 1.3 is going to correct some of those issues, but who is in charge of monitoring and migrating from 1.2 to 1.3? What about the client browsers? What versions do they support? Who is checking that? Every device brought in has to have the correct versions. In addition, you have all the web server and browser attack surfaces and other security concerns such as server file permissions, injection attacks on forms…etc. This is just an example of the complexity of the management it takes to maintain TLS.

There are many tools that exist that can allow a novice programmer to assemble a shiny looking but unsecure web solution that is rashly deployed, untested for security flaws that will completely fail when under attack of hackers. Every day the number of web hackers increase with no signs of it slowing down. This makes web applications increasingly harder to protect. It is a constant battle requiring more and more resources.

SSH Security: 

In contrast, SSH Encryption is widely acknowledged as an excellent security protocol with the best security encryption available.  With SSH, you have the most current and best protection against main-in-the-middle, IP spoofing, replay attacks, unauthorized access, data exposure and modification of data, all with an easy management solution. 

The algorithms are Host Key, Key exchange, MACs, Ciphers and Public Key algorithms. With a trustworthy company like Georgia SoftWorks, users can be assured that they have updated the algorithms in the SSH and all of the clients so you have the most current and best protection against hackers.

With SSH, there are no browsers or plugins. There’s no third party software to worry about, such as the recent breach with Equafax. 

In addition to Username and password authentication, SSH Servers offer public key authentication with internet information Server (IIS) like certificate to user account mappings. This includes one-to-many and many-to-one mapping methods and also supports certificate trust lists. The mapping works with all user accounts including ones defined in Active Directory. 

You get secure remote access to your windows host including secure remote logon, secure data exchange and secure access to your application over a non-secure network.