Wireless network security startup AirTight Networks Inc., formally named Wibhu Technologies, landed more than $10 million in venture funding this week The funding will be used to launch a wireless-LAN firewall application later this month. AirTight's SpectraGuard firewall will help companies map wireless sensors throughout their networks, precisely locate and track wireless devices, and protect wireless networks from attack.
Wireless security vendor AirDefense Inc. also will make available the latest version of its wireless LAN security software later this month. AirDefense Enterprise 6.0 will help security administrators better defend their wireless LANs against many types of attacks.
Sales of wireless LAN gear are expected to grow to $2.1 billion this year, a 20% jump from 2003, predicts market-research firm Dell'Oro Group. Corporate wireless-access-point shipments will grow at about 47% annually through 2008, Dell'Oro says.
AirDefense Enterprise 6.0 provides admins with the ability to instantly analyze, block, or disconnect hacker and denial-of-service attacks. AirDefense Enterprise uses radio-enabled sensors to monitor wireless network traffic.
Bo Mendenhall, principal information security analyst at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center appreciates AirDefense's new security capabilities. The Health Sciences Center includes the University of Utah Hospital, community clinics, the university's School of Medicine, and other health institutes and centers throughout Utah and the Intermountain West. The center's IT team supports more than 12,000 users.
