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Choosing Strong IPsec Settings in 2026

· 1 min read · Peer1IX Team

Choosing Strong IPsec Settings in 2026

Many IPsec tunnels still run on outdated settings. A practical guide to modern, strong configurations.

Why settings matter

An IPsec tunnel is only as strong as the algorithms it negotiates. Legacy configurations copied from old templates can leave tunnels weaker than intended.

Recommendations

  • Protocol: IKEv2.
  • Encryption: AES-GCM with 128- or 256-bit keys.
  • Integrity/PRF: SHA-256 or stronger.
  • Diffie-Hellman: modern groups such as 19, 20 or 21 (elliptic curve), or 14 or higher.
  • Perfect forward secrecy: enabled.
  • Authentication: certificates where practical; otherwise long, random pre-shared keys.

Avoid

DES and 3DES, MD5 and SHA-1, DH groups 1, 2 and 5, and aggressive mode.

Lifetimes

Rekey regularly using sensible lifetimes, and make sure both ends agree.

Check compatibility

Older devices may not support modern algorithms. Plan upgrades rather than weakening the tunnel.

Peer1IX provides recommended configurations for common platforms when you order IPsec Tunnel.

IPsec configurationIKEv2cryptography

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