IPv6 to open up new security challenges
By Paul Smithson
17/08/2011
The adoption of internet protocol version six (IPv6) will bring with it a number of advantages, but there will also be security challenges to overcome, reports Computer Weekly.
While remote systems management professionals will be pleased to hear that the system, which will take over from IPv4, boasts over four billion more addresses than its predecessor, this benefits cyber criminals in as many ways as it benefits the IT security experts.
The specialist publication explained that people will be able to switch IP addresses much more frequently, so blacklisting certain codes is likely to have limited effect.
Many of the world's top security systems rely on this method for warding off cyber criminals and professionals in the sector will only have experience of protecting data on IPv4.
Industry expert James Lyne told the news service that companies should hold off from adopting IPv6 until they have effective processes in place and urged them to plan for the skills that they may need to use it.
He added: "Businesses should also ensure that any hardware they buy from now is IPv6 compatible, so when the time comes they are ready."
Writing for Light Reading, Carol Wilson pointed out that the new system has been designed to be more secure, but that does not necessarily mean it will be.
She echoed the sentiments of Mr Lyne by suggesting that people should ensure they have checked all the security thoroughly during the transition process and beyond.
