Network Chemistry announces wireless threat database

Wireless security vendor Network Chemistry has announced the creation of an online Wireless Vulnerabilities and Exploits database intended to be a universal collection point for credible information about security threats affecting multiple wireless technologies, including 802.11 Wi-Fi, CDMA 1X EV-DO, EDGE, Bluetooth and RFID, as well as emerging protocols like HSDPA and 802.16 WiMAX.

The database, located at www.wirelessve.org, is co-sponsored by Network Chemistry, wireless LAN training and certification firm CWNP, and the Center for Advanced Defense Studies, a non-profit, non-governmental institute that lists Network Chemistry among its industry partners.

Brian de Haaff, vice president of product management and marketing at Network Chemistry, said of the database, “We hope it grows into an industry initiative. We’ve been talking quite a bit to other network security people and carrier people about it. No one has ever tried before to collect this kind of information in one place.”

The security vendor announced the new database on the same day that it also announced its new RFprotect Endpoint product for corporate mobile workforces, a solution which centrally manages and enforces security policies on end user laptop PCs being used in remote locations. The Endpoint software agent is location-aware and protocol-aware, limiting users to connecting remotely only via pre-approved connection types.

Any submissions to the WVE database have be verified by an editorial board that includes officials from Network Chemistry and its partners in the site, but also other experts, such as Mike Kershaw, the author of the Kismet 802.11 open-source security tool; security researcher Joshua Wright; Lisa Phifer, vice president of consultancy Core Competence; and Victor Garza, a security consultant and senior contributing editor to Infoworld.