The AirProtect WIPS addresses the problems caused by deployment of unauthorized Wi-Fi access points – called rogue access points – that open up networks to hackers, exposing information about business operations, customers and products. It also prevents users from connecting to incorrect Wi-Fi access points – both internal and external – that can lead to security vulnerabilities. Wi-Fi is a standard for WLANs for businesses, homes and public hotspots that provide wireless access locations.
“In order to deliver a layered security approach across our infrastructure, we wanted advanced wireless protection to provide the same level of security we require for our wired infrastructure,” said K.J. Kim, Telecom Director at the Hawaii Department of Education, the nation’s 10th largest school district. “The 3Com AirProtect system completes the network defense started with the encryption and authentication in our wireless products and wired IPS by continuously scanning the airwaves and providing intrusion prevention against unauthorized Wi-Fi activities. To respond to today’s threats, WIPS needs to be part of any organization’s layered security policy.”
3Com say their product detects and protects against unauthorised access to wireless networks. It prevents authorized users from connecting to unauthorised access points so data on a user’s computer is not opened to outside sources. The system can also disable all wireless connections, allowing enforcement of “no wireless” policies.
AirProtect WIPS also provides denial of services protection against wireless threats to help keep wireless networks operating at top efficiency. It scans 62 wireless radio channels and prevents up to 20 simultaneous attacks per AirProtect Sensor. AirProtect location tracking assists in removal of rogue access points and clients, including a probability graph that helps network managers find the most likely placements of offending devices.
“As the number of mobile workers grows and mobility extends beyond laptops to include devices such as Wi-Fi phones and handheld devices, AirProtect provides an essential component to corporate security policy enforcement,” said Jeff Schwartz, product manager for Enterprise Wireless Solutions at 3Com. “It safeguards wireless networks to prevent unauthorised access and data loss, which is essential given the critical nature of data that is being transmitted wirelessly.”