Applied Cryptography: Ubuntu Server VPN Configuration and Testing

This assignment details the process of setting up and configuring a VPN server on an Ubuntu 18.04 Azure virtual machine using strongSwan. The solution starts with key generation using PuttyGen and creating a resource group in Azure. It then covers the creation of an Ubuntu VM, obtaining its IP details, and installing strongSwan. The configuration involves generating a certificate authority, creating certificates for the VPN server, and configuring strongSwan with IKEv2 settings, including dead-peer detection. Authentication is set up through the ipsec.secrets file, and firewall configuration is performed to allow VPN traffic. The solution concludes with testing the VPN connection using a Windows client, including importing the root certificate and configuring the VPN settings. This assignment provides a practical guide to establishing a secure VPN server and connecting clients.