Microsoft SharePoint 2010 Unleashed

Using IPsec for Internal SharePoint Encryption

IPsec, mentioned briefly in previous sections, is essentially a mechanism for establishing end-to-end encryption of all data packets sent between computers. IPsec operates at Layer 3 of the OSI model and uses encrypted packets for all traffic between members.

IPsec is often considered to be one of the best ways to secure the traffic generated in an environment and is useful for securing all SharePoint farm servers in high-risk Internet access scenarios and also in private network configurations for an enhanced layer of security. Without a technology such as IPsec, communications between farm members can be intercepted and their contents easily defined.