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Connecting IPSec VPN using certificate

Overview

While trying to connect via VPN using the user's SSL certificate, a specific procedure needs to be applied.

This article provides a step-by-step procedure on how to configure IPSec VPN using an SSL certificate in Windows 10 environment.

Important: As an alternative method for VPN connection, you can use pre-shared key (PSK) authentication. For more information, please refer to Configuring IPsec VPN using a native Windows client.

Solution

Export Kerio Control certificate

  1. In Kerio Control administration > Interfaces, double-click VPN server to verify the SSL certificate name. Also, enable 'Use certificate for clients'.
    Screen_Shot_2020-12-15_at_4.08.29_PM.png
  2. In the SSL certificates section, export the certificate in PKCS#12 format.
    Screen_Shot_2020-12-15_at_3.50.58_PM.png
  3. Specify the password. Do NOT use any national characters. Check Include all certificates in the certification path if possible.
    Screen_Shot_2020-12-15_at_3.51.40_PM.png
  4. Click Export to save the certificate locally. Transfer the file to Windows PC that needs an IPSec VPN connection.

Import certificate into Windows

  1. Double-click on the Certificate.p12 file to initiate Import wizard. Choose the Local Machine option.
    Screen_Shot_2020-12-15_at_4.37.21_PM.png
  2. Click Next and OK to confirm the Admin system change.
  3. Specify the file name path.
    Screen_Shot_2020-12-15_at_4.37.56_PM.png
  4. Enter the password that was specified while exporting the certificate from Kerio Control Webadmin.
    Screen_Shot_2020-12-15_at_4.39.25_PM.png
  5. Click Browse and choose Trusted Root Certification Authorities as the Certificate store location.
    Screen_Shot_2020-12-15_at_4.40.28_PM.png
  6. Verify the settings and click Finish. Click OK once you see the "Successfully imported" window.
    Screen_Shot_2020-12-15_at_4.40.43_PM.png

Configure Windows native VPN settings

  1. Open Windows VPN settings. Click Add a VPN connection.
  2. Specify:
    your Kerio Control IP address (public if connecting from remote location)
    VPN type: LT2P/IPsec with certificate
    Type of sign-in info: user name and password
    Enter your Kerio Control user name and password
    Screen_Shot_2020-12-15_at_4.43.04_PM.png
  3. Click Save.

Testing

Click Connect to establish a VPN connection.
Screen_Shot_2020-12-15_at_4.43.23_PM.png

The status will appear as Connected.

Screen_Shot_2020-12-15_at_4.43.33_PM.png

Choose files or drag and drop files
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  1. Priyanka Bhotika

  2. Posted
  3. Updated

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