Aruba Networks (News - Alert), a global provider in user-centric networks and secure mobility solutions, has announced a new version of its RFprotect Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS) software.

This new solution allows users to define their own attack-detection signatures and defend against previously unknown, undisclosed or unpatched vulnerabilities. These user-defined signatures can be implemented almost immediately to enhance security and provide users with more control over their threat vulnerability.

All other wireless intrusion prevention systems require the supplying vendor to provide updates, leaving customers vulnerable in the meantime when a new attack is developed.

Aruba customers will also be able to make their user-defined signatures available to others by contributing them to the Wireless Vulnerabilities and Exploits (WVE) database. Aruba has long been an active participant in the WVE Project, a community vulnerabilities database. 

"Security is an unending, iterative process in which the best defense is built by rapidly integrating updates about real or potential attacks as quickly as possible," said Rajeev Shah, Aruba's wireless IDS product manager, in a Friday statement.

"User-defined threat definitions are used successfully in other segments of the security market, and we're pleased to be the first to make it available for WIPS."

Acquired from Network Chemistry (News - Alert) in 2007, RFprotect software automatically detects network vulnerabilities and contains unauthorized clients and adhocs even as they roam. With customizable security policies, RFprotect software delivers organization-specific security policy enforcement, reduces false positives and generates reports to meet compliance requirements.

The new RFprotect software has been integrated into Aruba's secure mobility solutions to enhance Layer 1-2 security capabilities.

"It is important that the interval between the detection of a security threat and its mitigation be as short as possible because of the vulnerability created by the gap," said Paul DeBeasi, senior analyst at Burton Group, in Friday’s statement.

"Collaboratively developing, testing, and disseminating security features, including user-defined signatures, can minimize the vulnerability more rapidly than relying on a single vendor for periodic updates. This method has been used effectively in areas such as virus detection, and is an innovative way to enhance WIPS security."

Wireless networks are a wonderful thing, but they can become a nightmare if someone is able to maliciously penetrate the system. Innovative technologies that protect the network and eliminate gaps that create vulnerabilities in the system are in large demand. For Aruba, the opportunities are significant as long as the company continues to be on the edge of its technology offerings.

The new RFprotect software will be shipping early this summer, and will be introduced at Interop (News - Alert) Las Vegas, April 29 - May 1, booth 1262, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMC and has also written for eastbiz.com. To see more of her articles, please visit Susan J. Campbell’s columnist page.

 

 

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