8

The question is in the title.

Does an internal site need to have https security?

For example we have an internal site that handles our client's license keys -- do we need for that to be secure since it is on our internal network?
(The website is secured with IIS and windows user validation)

3 Answers 3

4

If the content on your network is sensitive and there are users who do not have the privileges required to view some or all of that content then you will want to use SSL on your intranet. Fortunately setting up SSL on your Intranet isn't difficult and you can use a self signed certificate since there is no need to verify your company's identy.

4
  • The website is secured with IIS and windows user validation (but no https)
    – Naftali
    Jun 23, 2011 at 15:23
  • That will limit who can get into the network but won't prevent packet sniffing on the network.
    – John Conde
    Jun 23, 2011 at 15:38
  • but the only people who can get to the network is people who have direct access to our wired network
    – Naftali
    Jun 23, 2011 at 15:42
  • 1
    @Neal, Just because the users may have a higher level of trust versus users of a public facing website doesn't mean sensitive content shouldn't be protected as much as possible. Lots of hacking and theft occur from within a company's own walls, virtual or real.
    – John Conde
    Jun 23, 2011 at 15:47
4

If you have open wireless access for your visitors on the same network, and it's not served over https then it's easy for visitors to intercept other people's network traffic to your intranet.

4

Whenever you use windows passwords to logon you should also use SSL. (This is more vital if you allow basic auth) This is to avoid privilege escalation both for your own users and as a multilayered security strategy.

1
  • 100% agree. We have a WordPress installation on our intranet which authenticates against Active Directory, so it's protected with SSL.
    – Nic
    Nov 5, 2011 at 19:38

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.