What is the primary function of Internet Protocol Security (IPsec)?

The primary function of Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) is to protect IPv4 or IPv6 traffic. IPsec is a suite of protocols designed specifically to secure Internet Protocol (IP) communications by authenticating and encrypting each IP packet within a communication session. This ensures the integrity, confidentiality, and authenticity of the data as it travels across networks, whether they are private or public.

IPsec operates at the network layer of the OSI model and can secure any traffic that is encapsulated in IP packets, making it a versatile solution for protecting various types of communications across diverse network configurations. The ability to secure both IPv4 and IPv6 traffic is crucial as organizations transition to the newer protocol.

In contrast to securing email communications, monitoring network devices, or encrypting file transfers, which are handled by different protocols or security mechanisms, IPsec focuses specifically on securing the transport of data over IP networks, making it essential for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and secure site-to-site communications.