Re: postgres "on in the internet"

Hi all;

Comments inline.

Lincoln Yeoh wrote:

> I doubt it's a good idea to make your postgres server internet
> accessible. You'll be using postgresql in what I'd consider to be a
> less tested scenario. Most people don't expose their database servers
> to the Internet.
>
> You could use the following configuration:
>
> client (with IPSEC VPN)
> |
> Internet
> |
> Firewall #1 (VPN endpoint)
> |
> Staging network (for VPN clients)
> |
> Firewall #2
> |
> Database server
>
> The clients with VPN access get access to whatever the staging network
> has access to - which may be the postgresql db port and other
> services, but nothing else not explicitly permitted by Firewall #2, or
> Firewall #1.
>
I have to agree with this architecture. However, I would also suggest
that you think about public key management so that in the event that the
client key becomes corrupt while traveling, they can call in and have
the situation resolved quickly. I.e. "Run this tool. It will generate
your keys and email your public key to me."

Also, although this is likely to be the hardest environment to set up,
it will probably be the most mainenance-free in the long-run. I.e. PPTP
is more vulnerable to a wide variety of attacks including DoS, etc. than
IPSec is, and having a good set of security barriers is critical when
you are looking at business data. The SSL issue could be used as well,
but I don't really know what sorts of options are available on Windows
for SSL-based VPN's.

Best Wishes,
Chris Travers
Metatron Technology Consulting