Industrial companies today are more vulnerable than ever to wireless attacks, with the majority not even realizing the severity of the problem. Despite security precautions such as surveillance cameras, barbed wire fences, Firewalls, and Intrusion Detection Systems, most industrial companies are still dangerously exposed to security risks through the use of devices such as wireless barcode readers and forklift mounted computers. These devices pose a real threat since they cannot be fitted with current state-of-the-art wireless security solutions and are left to operate in an insecure manner. Coupled with the number of Centrino based wireless laptops being shipped daily, it is only a question of when, and not how, these networks will be compromised.
To protect these wireless networks Code Red Systems, of Jerusalem, Israel, has launched its AirBlock Industrial Edition. The solution is designed specifically for industrial environments such as logistic companies, warehouses and manufacturers. The software-only solution provides security for both new and legacy equipment, which do not support advanced wireless LAN security standards. Key features include multi-vendor interoperability, support for multiple operating systems and centralized management.
Based on its original AirBlock technology for the SOHO market, the three-year-old company has successfully deployed its solution in some of the largest industrial companies in Israel. Featuring key advantages such as automation, transparency and redundancy, the solution can be implemented on wireless devices such as barcode readers, forklift-mounted computers, PDAs and laptops.
A graphic user interface enables centralized control which shows the status of all wireless access points and devices connected to the network in real-time. Furthermore, the solution provides alerts for system failures and unauthorized access, as well as reporting and configuration capabilities.
Enterprise solutions can provide protection from parking lot based wireless attacks. said Drew Tick, CEO of Code Red Systems. Industrial companies, however, may not even be aware of the risks caused by their wireless barcode readers which may be 3-5 years old. Upgrading industrial systems to more advanced devices is not a very feasible option, as it is expensive, time-consuming, requires re-training and may cause extended downtime. Our software-only solution, is a real breakthrough as there is no need to replace the equipment, no re-training, minimal downtime, and is extremely cost-effective.
The AirBlock Industrial Edition has generated considerable demand from Israeli industrial customers for its unique protection of legacy systems, multi-vendor interoperability and security advantages. The company is now seeking integration and distribution partners to expand its offering to industrial customers in the US and Europe.
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