What is the primary function of IPSec in network security?

The primary function of IPSec in network security is to secure and authenticate IP connections. IPSec operates at the network layer of the OSI model, providing a framework for secure communication by utilizing protocols that ensure data integrity, confidentiality, and authenticity. Through its two main protocols, the Authentication Header (AH) and the Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP), IPSec can authenticate the origins of the data being transmitted and encrypt the data itself to prevent eavesdropping.

This capability makes IPSec particularly valuable for creating Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), allowing secure communication over untrusted networks, like the internet, while ensuring that the data is resilient to tampering and interception. By focusing on IP packets directly, IPSec can protect any type of data that traverses an IP network regardless of the applications or transport methods being used.