A method and apparatus for establishing authenticated network (e.g., TCP/IP) connections augments the network (e.g., TCP/IP) protocol and enables concealment of the presence of network (e.g., TCP/IP) servers on the network. One methodology uses one or more cryptographic techniques, and/or combinations of such techniques, to achieve the goal. A network (e.g., TCP/IP) connection establishment could be authenticated using both shared secret cryptographic and public key cryptographic methods. The trust between peers could be established either directly or via a trusted third party. One methodology allows network (e.g., TCP/IP) server concealment against Internet based eavesdroppers and eavesdroppers staging man-in-the-middle attacks on the local network or in the close proximity to the server. The techniques described herein may be used to protect a network (e.g., TCP/IP) server from establishing unsanctioned connections from both local and remote networks.