Aug 2 2013
AirTight® Networks, Inc., the leader in secure cloud-managed Wi-Fi and wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS) solutions, today announced that it has added cellular device detection to support the enforcement of wireless free zones inside highly secure environments such as military sites, DoD contractor facilities, prisons, and commercial settings that need to restrict the use of cellular communications.
The new option includes a small receiver module capable of detecting and reporting 3G, 4G LTE, and CDMA voice and data communications activity. The module plugs directly into an AirTight C-60 wireless sensor and forwards cellular activity data to the AirTight management console for automated event tracking and report generation.
"Because cellular operates on licensed frequencies that many government and private organizations cannot legally control even inside their own airspace, unauthorized mobile communications can compromise security and create a significant challenge for organizations that rely on "no-wireless" policies as part of their security strategy," said Dr. Hemant Chaskar, VP of technology and innovation at AirTight Networks. "However with reliable detection technology, cellular devices can be easily located and physically removed or disabled to ensure compliance. And by integrating our new cellular detection with our automated wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS), our customers can now maintain comprehensive 24/7 wireless security that combines tracking and reporting of cellular activity plus our industry leading WIPS for the unlicensed Wi-Fi bands."
The AirTight management console can alert security staff via email or the management interface whenever an incursion is detected. The information provided includes the time, duration, frequency band, and physical location of the cellular activity. In addition to alerts, custom reports can be generated and distributed automatically on a scheduled basis.
Applications include monitoring and detection of contraband cellular phones in and around SCIFs, detection of network and printer eavesdropping devices that use cellular radios to transmit confidential information beyond the security perimeter, and enforcing compliance with DoD and other Federal agency "no-wireless" policies.
The AirTight cellular detection feature is compatible with all AirTight C-60 software-defined radio configurations for maximum flexibility. "The cellular receiver is highly efficient and works completely in the background without affecting the performance of the WIPS sensors," said Dr. Chaskar. "Although not every organization needs this added level of security, those that do will find it highly effective and very easy to implement."
Earlier in 2012, the AirTight Networks WIPS solution, passed the Test Integration Council (TIC) tests for inclusion on the Defense Information Systems Agency Unified Capabilities Approved Products List, DISA UC APL. The DISA UC APL is the single consolidated list of products that have completed interoperability (IO) and information assurance (IA) certification. Use of the DoD UC APL allows DoD components to purchase and operate UC systems over all DoD network infrastructures.