Swan, software that implements the IKE protocol for setting up VPNs via IPsec, is going to a new rights holder.
The open-source software strongSwan is integrated into used in many products in which IP encryption plays a role, for example in numerous smartphones. The security company secunet, manufacturer of high-security products for authorities, defense and industry, has concluded a takeover agreement with the OST Ostschweizer Fachhochschule – formerly HSR Hochschule für Technik Rapperswil (Switzerland). The rights are now with secunet.
strongSwan continues the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) protocol of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), with which IPsec-secured Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can be set up. The software is distributed under the GPLv2 license. This means that anyone can run, change and distribute it while complying with the license conditions of the GPLv2. In addition, there is non-GPL licensing (dual licensing) as well as maintenance and support contracts for existing and new customers. The software for Linux is available from heise download.
OS software: transparent and approved more quickly
Secunet often uses open source software in its products. In addition to the transparency that this entails, approval processes are also made easier by IT security authorities such as the BSI, says secunet CTO Dr. Kai Martius. The company also oversees the IPsec implementation in the Linux kernel, which is also relevant for IP encryption, and has developed the OpenStack-based cloud operating system SecuStack. In addition, secunet is involved in the Open Infra Foundation and the Open Source Business Alliance.
