Vice President of Sacramento ISSA Chapter Stops Potential Attack at California State Agency Using Network Chemistry's Wireless Security Solution

Network Chemistry Inc., the wireless security experts, announced today that Ned Allison, CISSP, vice president of the Sacramento chapter of ISSA (Information Systems Security Association) and a network and security expert at a high-profile California state agency, used Network Chemistry's RFprotect(TM) Mobile solution featuring its unique QuickLocate(TM) capability to identify and thwart attempts by an unauthorized user to gain access to the agency's network.

As a vice president of ISSA, a well-known security organization with more than 13,000 members, Allison understands the urgency and importance of complete wireless threat protection. This recent incident further underscores the fact that wireless attacks are becoming more prevalent, and enterprises and government agencies must be diligent to ensure the security of their wireless networks, data, and users.

Allison was at his office using a laptop running Network Chemistry's RFprotect Mobile, a portable laptop-based analyzer for automating site surveys, security assessments, and incident response, when he received an alert identifying an unauthorized user trying to access his network via an employee's laptop. The laptop was connected to the internal government network, but its wireless Network Interface Card (NIC) was up and broadcasting, which would have enabled the intruder to bridge onto the wired network. While a clear violation of agency policy, a broadcasting NIC is a common vulnerability that often occurs without the knowledge of the user or organization due to a Windows operating system default configuration that seeks to connect to any available wireless network, including ad-hoc and peer-to-peer connections.

Allison took immediate action as he saw the client begin the process of connecting to the employee's laptop. Before the rogue client could establish connectivity, Allison quickly gained administrative access to the laptop and shut down the NIC, thwarting the potential attack and preventing access to the agency's network. The power of RFprotect Mobile and its ease of use, as demonstrated by the incident, convinced the agency to deploy Network Chemistry's award-winning RFprotect Distributed system.

"This deployment has also permitted the agency to implement a critical business process requiring wireless access, a capability previously denied by security concerns that the Network Chemistry deployment has mitigated," stated Allison. Now that the agency has deployed Network Chemistry's RFprotect Distributed purpose-built sensors for 24x7 intrusion detection and prevention, Allison and other employees do not have to rely on luck or manual blocking to protect against attacks, as the system automatically provides wireless threat protection.

"This incident is a great example of why government agencies and enterprises need a complete, proactive approach to wireless security," said Brian de Haaff, vice president of product management and marketing at Network Chemistry. "Today, most laptops are shipped with the wireless NIC card enabled, and unsuspecting employees can act as a conduit for attacks from unauthorized or rogue clients. While this unauthorized user might not have had malicious intent, corporate data is at risk and organizations must protect themselves from these threats."

About Network Chemistry

Network Chemistry is the industry standard for securing wireless networks, data, and users. More than 300 of the world's most successful enterprises and demanding government agencies trust Network Chemistry's wireless threat protection solutions to prevent attacks, detect vulnerabilities, intrusions and policy violations, accelerate incident response, and conduct surveys for wireless LAN deployment planning. Network Chemistry has received numerous accolades, including the top score in SC Magazine's "Wireless Security Group Test," as well as its "Global Award," and "5 Star Winner" honors; Network Computing's "Best Value," for two consecutive years; and 802.11 Planet's "Best of Show." The company is headquartered in Redwood City, California. For more information, visit www.networkchemistry.com or call 1-888-952-6477.

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Contact: Megan Atiyeh Engage PR 510-748-8200 ext. 228 Email Contact www.networkchemistry.com