Addressing IPv6 security issues

06/07/2011

The long-term security problems that could be caused by IPv6 adoption, and the security benefits that can be created by the new address protocol, are somewhat unclear. However, the short-term picture of IPv6 is somewhat grisly, and businesses need to prepare.

According to a recent Network World report, IPv6 will eventually develop into a secure and stable platform for internet use. In the meantime, it will change so many ways that security is performed that businesses need to carefully consider new protocols when switching to IPv6, the report said.

Network address translation, one of the increasingly common ways of dealing with IPv4 and IPv6 technology, could create major security problems. The report likened NAT systems to a mail transfer system. Each time an IPv4 address comes to the network, it is like a letter at the post office. To move forward, the letter must be opened and put into a new, IPv6- ready envelope.

The report said this will expose key personal data during the transition to IPv6.

Such problems are somewhat important for long-term IPv6 success. Axel Pawlik, managing director for Ripe NCC, recently told the Inquirer that World IPv6 Day could expose the shortcomings of current IPv6 adoptions schemes and create a renewed sense of urgency around making IPv6 work.

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