What Is a Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS)?

A Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS) monitors and protects wireless networks from threats. It constantly scans for any unusual activity, rogue access points, suspicious wireless clients, and other potential threats.

How does a WIPS work?

The first thing a wireless intrusion prevention system does is scan the radio frequencies in your environment. It uses sensors placed around your network to pick up any wireless signals. These sensors are like tiny spies keeping tabs on all the Wi-Fi activity in your office. They report back what they find to the WIPS management console. 

If, for example, an unauthorized device tries to connect to your network, the sensors detect it and alert the system. This way, we can quickly identify any intruders trying to piggyback on our Wi-Fi. 

But a WIPS does a lot more than detect threats in your wireless environment. It also takes action to prevent any potential damage. If it identifies a rogue access point, it can block connections to it. This ensures that the rogue device can't communicate with your network, effectively neutralizing the threat.

Another convenient feature of a WIPS is client monitoring. Suppose a device on your network starts behaving oddly, maybe trying to access restricted parts of the system. Your WIPS will notice these out-of-the-ordinary patterns and can automatically disconnect the suspicious device or limit its access, keeping your network safe.

You can even configure your WIPS to send you real-time alerts. Say there’s an attempted breach at 3 AM. You won’t have to wait until the next morning to discover the issue. WIPS can notify you immediately via email or SMS, so you can take swift action.

So, like a security guard, a WIPS vigilantly patrols your wireless network, continuously scanning for threats, identifying them, and taking measures to keep your data safe. 

The wireless threat landscape (Common wireless threats)

The threat landscape for wireless networks is constantly evolving. With the increasing number of devices connecting to company networks, the risk of unauthorized access and cyber attacks is increasing . That's where a Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS) comes in handy. 

WIPS helps you monitor, detect, and prevent potential threats before they can cause significant damage. Here are some of the more common threats you face in your wireless networking environment: 

Rogue access points

These are unauthorized devices that can mimic legitimate network access points to trick employees into connecting to them. Once connected, these rogue devices can intercept sensitive information or even launch further attacks. 

For instance, an attacker could set up a rogue access point in the parking lot, and unsuspecting employees might connect to it, thinking it’s a part of the company network.

Evil twin attack

An evil twin attack is where an attacker creates a fake wireless access point that looks identical to the company’s legitimate network. When employees connect to this evil twin, their data can be easily intercepted. It’s a sneaky and effective way for attackers to get their hands on confidential information like passwords or personal details.

Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks

In MITM attacks, the intruder intercepts communication between two parties without their knowledge. They can eavesdrop on conversations, alter data, or steal sensitive information. 

For example, an attacker could place themselves between an employee's device and the company server, intercepting emails or sensitive documents being sent internally.

Even against less sophisticated threats, like misconfigured access points, WIPS provides a layer of defense. Sometimes, employees might unintentionally set up personal hotspots using their smartphones or portable routers, thinking it will boost their work efficiency. 

However, these can create backdoors into the company network if not properly secured. A WIPS can detect these misconfigurations and alert you before they become vulnerabilities.

Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks

DoS attackers flood the network with traffic, making it unusable for legitimate users. This can bring business operations to a halt. WIPS helps by identifying unusual traffic patterns and blocking these malicious attempts, ensuring the network remains operational.

So, incorporating a WIPS into your network security strategy is crucial. It gives you the visibility and control you need to protect against these sophisticated threats. With WIPS, you can stay one step ahead of attackers, keeping your wireless networks secure and your data safe.

The crucial role of sensors in a WIPS

In a WIPS setup, sensors the eyes and ears of your network. These sensors are strategically placed throughout your company's workspace to constantly monitor the wireless environment. They catch any odd behavior, like a rogue access point or suspicious activity from devices.

The best sensors are designed to pick up on everything. For instance, when someone sets up a personal hotspot on their phone right in their cubicle. Your sensors should catch this. They should detect the unauthorized signal and immediately flag it. 

It's not just about catching the bad guys, though. Your WIPS’s sensors must also alert you if there's potential interference that could degrade network performance. This way, you are ensuring both security and efficiency.

Another feature of good wireless IPS sensors is they’re always learning. They use machine learning algorithms to adapt to new types of threats. So, if a new kind of attack pops up, the sensors quickly learn to recognize it. This means less manual work for you and more proactive defense. The longer they monitor your environment, the smarter they get.

Sensor placement is also key. You need them in areas with heavy wireless traffic like conference rooms, lobbies, and open office spaces. But you don’t just place them anywhere. You use a heatmap approach to figure out the best spots. This ensures that no part of your network is left unwatched. 

And don’t forget remote locations or branch offices. You must have sensors there too that connect back to your main system, giving you a unified view of your entire network. So, even if something fishy happens in a tiny branch office miles away, you are on it in a flash.

So, sensors are an integral part of a WIPS setup. They provide real-time insights, help mitigate risks, and ensure that your wireless network remains secure 24/7.

Types of WIPS sensors (hardware vs. software)

Sensors used in a Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS) are generally categorized into two types: hardware and software sensors. Both have their own unique advantages and use cases, making them suitable for different environments and requirements.

Hardware sensors

These are dedicated devices specifically designed to monitor and protect your wireless network. Think of them as the sentinels of your network, constantly on the lookout for any suspicious activity. 

One example of a hardware sensor is the Cisco Aironet Access Point configured to run in monitor mode. These sensors can scan all the wireless channels, detect rogue devices, and even perform more advanced functions like spectrum analysis to identify potential interference. 

Hardware sensors are typically more reliable as they are purpose-built for security monitoring, but they can be quite expensive to install and maintain.

Software sensors

These are programs or applications that run on existing hardware, like your regular access points or servers. They are more cost-effective because you don’t need to invest in specialized hardware. For instance, an access point running software like SNORT can be configured to act as a sensor, scanning for unauthorized access points and malicious activities. 

However, the downside is that software sensors may not be as robust or thorough as their hardware counterparts. Their performance can be affected by other processes running on the same device, and they may not offer the same level of detail in monitoring.

The best approach is usually to assess what best fits your network’s needs, balancing between cost and the level of security required. This means you should consider  the best attributes of both types of sensors. 

For areas with high security needs, like the finance department, you can lean towards hardware sensors. For less critical areas, you can opt for software-based solutions, leveraging existing access points with additional security software.

Strategies for placing WIPS sensors within the network

WIPS sensors are the eyes and ears of your network security. Therefore, they need to be where the action is to effectively monitor, detect, and prevent potential threats. 

By being thoughtful about where you place your WIPS sensors, you significantly enhance your network's security. Here are a few placement strategies you might use:

Consider high-traffic areas

The most trafficked areas are usually the office's main lobby and the conference rooms. These are the spots where multiple devices continuously connect to the network. Placing WIPS sensors there ensures you catch any suspicious activity right where it’s most likely to occur. 

Another key area is near critical infrastructure. Think about your server rooms or the data centers. These are the heart of your network operations. By placing WIPS sensors around these critical points, you can quickly detect and respond to any intrusive activities that might compromise your core systems. 

Don’t overlook external perimeters

For example, your office might have a parking lot or a common area shared with other businesses. Placing sensors at these external boundaries can help spot unauthorized access attempts before they penetrate deeper into the network.

Consider potential blind spots

These are areas that might not immediately come to mind but can pose a risk because of their low visibility. For instance, the far end of a sprawling office floor or behind structural elements like large columns. Ensuring these areas have coverage helps in creating a secure network environment.

Overall, a wireless IPS keeps your network streamlined and robust, ensuring that every potential threat is caught in time. And by strategically selecting and placing your sensors, you can maintain a secure environment for all your digital activities.