AirMagnet Introduces BlueSweep Utility for Bluetooth; Free Download Gives Users Complete Picture of Bluetooth-Related Activity and Potential Security Threats.SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- AirMagnet, Inc., the leader in wireless LAN A local area network that transmits over the air typically in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz unlicensed frequency band. It does not require line of sight between sender and receiver. Wireless base stations (access points) are wired to an Ethernet network and transmit a radio frequency over an area (WLAN See wireless LAN. WLAN - wireless local area network ) security and performance solutions, today introduced its BlueSweep(TM) software, designed to identify nearby devices with Bluetooth wireless technology and alert users to potential Bluetooth security risks. The AirMagnet software identifies and tracks devices up to 300 feet away and lets users know what their own Bluetooth devices are doing. BlueSweep runs on laptop computers that support Windows XP The previous client version of Windows. XP was a major upgrade to the client version of Windows 2000 with numerous changes to the user interface. XP improved support for gaming, digital photography, instant messaging, wireless networking and sharing connections to the Internet. , and is available immediately as a free software download at www.airmagnet.com/products/bluesweep.htm. "While a number of security vulnerabilities in Bluetooth have been identified, Bluetooth security can be managed if one just has the right information," said Craig Mathias, a principal with the wireless and mobile advisory firm Farpoint Group in Ashland, Mass. "AirMagnet has generously developed a free software tool that Bluetooth users should find helpful in determining how secure their devices really are." BlueSweep gives users a complete picture of nearby Bluetooth activity, including interconnections between Bluetooth devices and all services on those devices. The AirMagnet software also identifies the make and manufacturer of Bluetooth devices within range. This lets users perform real-time audits of Bluetooth activity and potential vulnerabilities. The software also stores activity history for offline analysis. Bluetooth applications typically require a security code to authenticate (1) To verify (guarantee) the identity of a person or company. To ensure that the individual or organization is really who it says it is. See authentication and digital certificate. (2) To verify (guarantee) that data has not been altered. communications among devices, similar to the WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) An IEEE standard security protocol for wireless 802.11 networks. Introduced in 1997, WEP was found to be very inadequate and was superseded by WPA, WPA2 and 802.11i. encryption key used by Wi-Fi users. If the code is not used or is compromised, unauthorized access to Bluetooth devices like cell phones, laptops or even onboard Refers to a chip or other hardware component that is directly attached to the printed circuit board (motherboard). Contrast with offboard. See inboard. automobile computers is possible. Researchers have discovered several specific ways that Bluetooth is vulnerable. The Cabir worm -- malware that began infecting cell phones in 2004 -- can propagate prop·a·gate v. 1. To cause an organism to multiply or breed. 2. To breed offspring. 3. To transmit characteristics from one generation to another. 4. among devices via wireless Bluetooth connections. Austrian researcher Martin Herfurt introduced a tool this summer, dubbed dub 1 tr.v. dubbed, dub·bing, dubs 1. To tap lightly on the shoulder by way of conferring knighthood. 2. To honor with a new title or description. 3. the "Car Whisperer," that allows its users to listen to conversations in passing cars via Bluetooth connections, as reported by Ivan Berger on Aug. 16th in the New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of Times. "Bluetooth is everywhere -- phones, laptop computers, printers, TVs, even automobiles -- it's a useful short-range technology that's not going away anytime soon," said Dean Au, chief executive officer of AirMagnet. "As Bluetooth devices continue to proliferate pro·lif·er·ate v. To grow or multiply by rapidly producing new tissue, parts, cells, or offspring. , they will become a bigger target for hackers. BlueSweep gives Bluetooth users a way to know if their devices are vulnerable." About AirMagnet Founded in 2001, AirMagnet, Inc. provides the most trusted WLAN management and security software systems in enterprise, laptop and handheld configurations. Used by tens of thousands of IT professionals at more than 4,000 companies worldwide -- including 73 of the Fortune 100 -- in manufacturing, financial, retail, service, health care, utility, transportation, education and government sectors, AirMagnet solves Wi-Fi connection problems, enforces wireless security policies, tracks down unauthorized access, simplifies site surveys, and locks in unprecedented levels of network performance, security and reliability. Additional information about AirMagnet and its products is available on the Web at www.AirMagnet.com. (C)2005 AirMagnet, Inc. All rights reserved. AirMagnet and AirWISE are registered trademarks. BlueSweep and the AirMagnet logo are trademarks of AirMagnet, Inc. Bluetooth trademarks are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. All other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies. |
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