Threats to wireless local area networks (WLAN's) are numerous and potentially dangerous. Security issues ranging from misconfigured wireless access points (WAP's) to session hijacking to Denial of Service (DoS) can plague a wireless network. Wireless networks are not only susceptible to normal TCP/IP-based attacks native to wired networks, they are also subject to a wide array of 802.11-specific threats.

Many organizations are unaware or unsure of how to protect their corporate wireless network, wireless attacks are becoming increasingly prevalent, especially since there is no physical barrier to prevent such access. Multiple wireless access points and "wireless hotspots" call for an integrated and multi-layered approach to network security in order to safeguard sensitive network data. A WIDS/WIPS is designed to provide unsurpassed security by keeping your network under constant watch by security-certified, industry-recognized professionals.

Intrusion detection systems (IDS's)

IDS's attempt to identify computer system and network intrusions and misuse by gathering and analyzing data. IDS's have traditionally been developed to detect intrusions and misuse for wired systems and networks. More recently, IDS's have been developed for use on wireless networks. These wireless IDS's can monitor and analyze user and system activities, recognize patterns of known attacks, identify abnormal network activity, and detect policy violations for WLAN's. Wireless IDS's gather all local wireless transmissions and generate alerts based either on predefined signatures or on anomalies in the traffic.

WIDS/WIPS Benefits

• Provide 24x7 monitoring to identify rogue wireless LAN's, attacks and policy violations.
  
  
• Rogue device termination: enables rapid response to attacks by allowing security administrators to terminate rogue device connections.
  
  
• Notify you directly about attacks of a critical nature and give advice on next steps to mitigate the found threat.
  
  
• Deflect intruders from the network and monitor the health of the wireless LAN.
  
  
• Generate regular reports showing all data captured by the wireless sensors including policy violations, minor attacks, and performance data.
  
  
• Saves money on deployment by requiring minimal product investment and fewer internal resources.
  
  
• Rogue/intrusion detection: real-time detection of all rogue devices — from access points to client devices, and ad-hoc networks.
  
  
• Simplifies daily operation and security management of wireless networks.
  
  
• Enhances network security by enabling the ability to detect, locate, and mitigate rogue access points and unauthorized ad-hoc networks.
  
  
• Improves WLAN performance and availability by:
  
  
  • Detecting RF interference
  • Optimizing radio coverage and settings
  • Monitoring performance and faults
    
    
• Notifies you when your AP goes off line to help you be on top of issues that affect your wireless business continuity.
  
  
• Vulnerability assessment: identifies network weaknesses, such as misconfigurations on devices and weak encryption implementation.
  
  
• Centralized Management: a powerful user interface that is easy to use and customize for a variety of user levels.
  
  

If you would like more information on a WIDS - WIPS system please give us a call or use the contact us page.