Prepared by Cisco, this paper evaluates many of the common known threats against IPv4 and then compares and contrasts how these threats or similar ones might affect an IPv6 network. The paper concludes that IPv6 has both benefits and drawbacks from a security standpoint.

"The opportunity to ensure secure IPv6 deployments from the outset rather than a slow migration toward security, as occurred with IPv4, should be strongly considered by the Internet community," the paper recommends. It noted, however, that the amount of attention that IPv6 security has so far received is quite low.

"Without adequate training and attention on the part of network operators to the new considerations with IPv6 security, it will be very difficult to ensure a smooth transition (or any transition at all) to IPv6," according to Cisco.

To read the paper in full, click here.