“IBM Research Thursday said it has successfully created what it
believes is the first automated auditing tool that can monitor
802.11 wireless networks, which would significantly improve
security for users of Wi-Fi who want to combat ‘drive-by hacking.’
And in keeping with IBM Corp.’s endorsement of open-source
operating systems, it’s based on Linux.”
“As a prototype, the Wireless Security Auditor is hardly ready
for the market. But if and when IBM does decide to sell it to the
wireless networking buffs who work in a very nascent market, Big
Blue could hook network administrators itching to find vulnerable
access points for their companies. By monitoring and analyzing them
in real time, the net admins could make sure security threats are
removed.”
“As it stands now, the security auditor runs on a small,
unspecified wireless personal digital assistant. Audit information
is presented on a color coded user interface, with configured
access points shown in green, and vulnerable ones shown in red.
Info is also available for all access points, including station and
network name, address, location and security state.”