Re: HTTP and Web server configuration and security.

[Nathan Andelin <nandelin@xxxxxxxxx>]

HTTPS and VPN both provide transport-layer encryption. In that regard, I
don't see HTTPS offering additional value over VPN encryption.

However, a number of shops prefer HTTPS rather than a VPN because they'd
rather not manage VPN credentials, or mess with VPN client downloads,
support, and network issues entailed in managing VPNs. Shops get tired of
the network device and configuration requirements of VPNs, which can be
especially burdensome for shops that have a large or potentially large
number of users.

A number of shops prefer to manage user authority within IBM i or IBM i
applications rather than additionally within a VPN. I see initiatives to
downsize VPN use in favor of HTTPS.





On Wed, Dec 2, 2020 at 6:18 AM Robert Rogerson <rogersonra@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> I was able to create an HTTP and web services servers from the wizard.  I
> then created an api.  I was able to test it with Postman and everything
> checked out.
>
> The next thing I'm unsure of is security.
>
> I created a new user with *USER authority and no special authority  I also
> changed the initial menu to signoff.
> I redeployed the web service speciying this user profile on User ID for
> this service.
> I retested with Postman and it still works.
>
> I ended my vpn.  The api now timed out in Postman.
>
> So my question is, if the api is only ever called from behind the vpn is
> there still a big hole I'm missing?
> Is SSL required if behind a vpn?
>
> Once again, your advice is very much appreciated.
>
> Thanks, Rob
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