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Red-M challenges wireless hackers: "We can prevent entry."

Latest version of Bluetooth pioneer Red-M's software "can prevent, at the point of entry into the wireless network, unauthorized wireless users accessing the network and hacking into critical data, as well as detecting unauthorized access points."

The bold claim is bound to attract the attention of hackers, who love a challenge. But it goes a lot further than you'd think.

Red-M not only reckons to be able to prevent the attacks of Bluetooth-equipped PDA users, but also to be able to screen out anybody attaching with a WiFi computer. And if that's not enough; they also claim to be able to prevent the attachment of "rogue" access points - both Bluetooth and Wifi.

That includes any access point by any manufacturer, says the company. It demonstrated this software in public recently, managing the public wireless "hotspot" demonstration organised by BT Mobile, where the access points were mixed Cisco and Red-M devices.

"I suppose anything is ultimately crackable, given enough time and resources," said publicist Rob Forbes at Red-M; "but this we think will prevent wireless hackers getting in. We specify rights on a per-user basis; if you don't have rights, you can't connect to the network, even if you can see the access point," he added. "This announcement just provides prices - and availability dates - for something we've demonstrated before."

The new version - v2.1 of Genos "core software" enables "the full integration of 802.11 wireless LAN and Bluetooth into one unified wireless network supporting the vast range of multi-vendor wirelessly-enabled devices and applications," says the official announcement. "Genos is uniquely designed to provide organizations with a highly scalable system for building large-scale managed and fully secure wireless networks. Optional Genos modules will allow maximum flexibility for adding advanced applications and services, such as in-building mobile voice."

The Genos core software implements a 5-layer wireless security model which Red-M believes to be unique. To achieve this, Genos combines wireless management and security standards with vendor-specific extensions built into different access points.

"As a result, Genos can prevent, at the point of entry into the wireless network, unauthorized wireless users accessing the network and hacking into critical data, as well as detecting unauthorized access points." The 5-layer model includes: wireless VPN data encryption using the IPSec protocol; integrated, customizable wireless firewall; native authentication for Bluetooth devices; up to 128 bit dynamic WEP key encryption for WiFi supported by 802.1x, and native 128 bit encryption for Bluetooth; and device address and access point authentication. For additional flexibility, Genos can also be easily integrated with corporate firewalls and VPN systems.

For management from third party enterprise management systems and web browsers, Genos supports industry standard SNMP and HTTPs protocols. Genos also provides an XML-based application program interface (API) that allows wireless applications to access and control the wireless network and attached devices. Application developers are already using this API to develop powerful wireless applications such as asset tracking and location-based services.

Michael Wall, senior analyst, Frost and Sullivan comments: "In delivering this secure, scaleable, multi-technology wireless platform Red-M has made corporate wireless network deployment a reality. The scalability and flexibility of Genos is a key success factor as network managers can deploy the technology safe in the knowledge that the Genos platform will be compatible with all future standards and devices. I believe that the availability of Genos 2.1 marks the beginning of commercial viability for wireless networks."

Simon Gawne, vice-president and co-founder of Red-M adds: "Genos overcomes the complexities for both users and network managers operating enterprise-wide wireless networks. Genos is the first wirelessware to unite a mix of technologies, devices and different vendors' products. Our unique Genos software is designed to provide organizations with a highly scalable solution that can encompass advanced wireless applications such as mobile in-building voice."

Genos core version 2.1 begins commercial shipments through Red-M's authorized partners this month, with prices starting at $7,500. For further information please visit href="http://www.red-m.com/genos2.1/"> www.red-m.com/genos2.1.