Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS)

5 minutes 5 Questions

A Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS) is a security solution that monitors, detects, and neutralizes potential threats on a wireless network. WIPS uses a combination of sensors and software to continuously scan the wireless environment, identifying rogue access points, unauthorized devices, and malicious activities. It compares the observed traffic against predefined security policies and automatically takes action to mitigate threats. This can include generating alerts, disconnecting unauthorized devices, or blocking malicious traffic. WIPS is essential for securing wireless and mobile devices, ensuring a safe and protected network environment for users.

Guide to Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS)

Importance of WIPS:
WIPS are crucial for maintaining the security of wireless networks. They detect and neutralize threats, thereby preventing unauthorized access and data breaches. The advanced capabilities of WIPS like automatic classification and machine learning algorithms help identify and counteract different types of intrusion attempts.

What is WIPS?
A Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS) is a network device that monitors the radio spectrum for the presence of unauthorized access points (intrusion), and can automatically take countermeasures.

How it Works:
A WIPS works by monitoring the entire wireless spectrum and identifying potential threats based on predefined criteria. It can either passively monitor the network or actively probe the network for threats. Once a threat is identified, the WIPS either alerts the network administrator or actively takes steps to neutralize the threat.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on WIPS

Understand key concepts: Know the basic principles of how WIPS work, including the difference between passive and active monitoring.

Get familiar with technical terms: Understanding specific terminology related to WIPS, such as 'access point' is vital.

Focus on practical applications: Practical knowledge of where and how to use a WIPS can be beneficial.

Know the limitations: Understand the limitations of a WIPS system and scenarios where it may not be effective.

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Question 1

Following a recent security audit, your company has discovered unauthorized access to its wireless network. Which WIPS feature can prevent rogue access point connections?

False positive reduction Rogue access point containment Intrusion detection system SSID cloaking

Correct Answer: Rogue access point containment

The best answer is 'Rogue access point containment'. This is a feature of Wireless Intrusion Prevention Systems (WIPS) that can prevent rogue access points from connecting to the wireless network. It does this by detecting rogue access points and actively preventing them from communicating with the network. The other answers are incorrect because they do not specifically address the prevention of rogue access point connections. 'False positive reduction' is about reducing incorrect alerts, not preventing access. 'Intrusion detection system' is a broader concept that includes detection but not necessarily prevention of access. 'SSID cloaking' is a method of hiding a network's name, not preventing rogue access points from connecting.

Question 2

A small business has recently deployed a new WIPS and is experiencing intermittent connection issues. Which WIPS feature should be adjusted to reduce false positives?

Tuning the WIPS sensor sensitivity Ignoring all detected rogue access points Disabling BYOD support Disabling WIPS completely

Correct Answer: Tuning the WIPS sensor sensitivity

Adjusting WIPS sensor sensitivity can help fine-tune the balance between detecting legitimate threats and reducing false positive alerts. Disabling WIPS or ignoring rogue access points would reduce security, disabling BYOD support is unrelated to WIPS sensitivity, MAC spoofing protection doesn't address false positives, and increasing WIPS scan frequency might increase alerts.

Question 3

A company recently installed a WIPS to protect their wireless network. Suddenly, employees are unable to connect to the network. What is the most likely cause?

WIPS is detecting all interference as false positives The wireless access point is down WIPS is accidentally blocking legitimate connections WIPS is not properly configured

Correct Answer: WIPS is accidentally blocking legitimate connections

WIPS, or a Wireless Intrusion Prevention System, is designed to monitor, detect, and defend against unauthorized wireless network access attempts. If suddenly after installation of WIPS employees are unable to connect to the network, the most likely cause is the WIPS accidentally blocking legitimate connections. This situation could be due to overzealous security settings or a misconfiguration. The other answers are not as likely. If the WIPS was not properly configured, it may not function at all or fail to provide adequate protection, but it would not typically prevent all connections. Similarly, if WIPS is detecting interference as false positives, then it may issue alerts or kick off unauthenticated devices, but it wouldn't disconnect all employees. Lastly, if the wireless access point was down, that would indeed prevent connection, but that's a separate issue from WIPS.

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