Meru Networks has introduced RF Barrier TM, the first 802.11–based technology proactively defending wireless networks against eavesdroppers and "parking lot" attackers, who attempt to record and observe network traffic from outside a building´s perimeter in order to steal sensitive and valuable information.
Patent–pending RF Barrier uses wireless LAN technology to block the radio–frequency (RF) signals from the corporate network as they exit the building, without disrupting internal WLAN operation. This limits an attacker´s ability to eavesdrop on data and perform offline analysis.
"Parking lot" attacks take advantage of wireless propagation (bleed–through) from a building out to a surrounding area. A number of these successful and costly "wardriving" attacks have been perpetrated, one of them involving the theft of millions of users´ credit–card records.
RF Barrier is the first solution using exclusively 802.11 technology to offer wireless perimeter protection:
– for organizations with regulatory or data privacy requirements, especially retailers, financial and government institutions, manufacturers and health–care organizations
– for mobile clients with legacy security mechanisms, such as handhelds and scanners equipped only with WEP or WPA/TKIP
– for modern WPA2– and EAP–based networks, where it helps prevent the exposure of potentially exploitable information such as user identities
– for providing physical wireless security in remote branch offices where no IT personnel are present to detect or stop an attack from outside the site´s physical boundaries
"The Information Stops Here"
Chicago–based produce wholesaler Anthony Marano Company has tested RF Barrier and plans to deploy it later this year. Chris Nowak, chief technology officer, said the company was seeking to protect its Wi–Fi voice infrastructure, which supports virtually all of its communication with customers and vendors.
"Our Nokia Wi–Fi smart phones handle sensitive voice calls as well as confidential emails and contact information," Nowak said. "With our warehouse adjacent to an interstate highway and other major roads, no one is comfortable with blasting a Wi–Fi signal all over the place. RF Barrier lets us decide exactly where we want to draw the border around the coverage area, and we know that the information stops right here. And we can keep our infrastructure tuned to maximum power without worrying about the consequences of signal bleeding. RF Barrier dramatically reduces the risk of parking lot–type security attacks - and means we won´t have to make excuses to management later."
RF Barrier is the latest addition to Meru´s comprehensive security solution, which provides security across all four major areas subject to active wireless threats: perimeter defense, connection defense, network defense and remote threat defense
Pricing and Availability
Available beginning in September 2008 for any Meru a/b/g Network. Priced at $3,595 for a starter kit that includes four antennas, four access points, cables and software licenses.
