WLAN intrusion systems boom

The worldwide wireless LAN (WLAN) intrusion prevention system (IPS) market is on pace to reach $168 million in 2008, a 41 per cent increase from 2007 revenue of $119 million, according to Gartner.  Wireless networks remain a potentially significant vulnerability for organisations as a continuing stream of WLAN-based security incidents has demonstrated.  Gartner said that because most organisations support WLANs, they must ensure that vulnerability management and intrusion prevention processes are extended to cover wireless and wired networks.    

“We believe that the initial sales of WLAN IPS products have penetrated the Global 5000 companies and government agencies who are early adopters of wireless technologies,” said John Pescatore, vice president and distinguished analyst at Gartner.  “As the business-crucial use of WLANs and other wireless technologies continues to increase, the need for wireless security monitoring will grow as well.” 

Vendors in the market are made up of WLAN infrastructure vendors that sell distinct wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS) solutions, as well as smaller vendors that sell dedicated WLAN monitoring capabilities.  Businesses’ need for particular wireless security monitoring capabilities are driven by regulatory demands, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, and vertical industry demands such as retail point of sale security and headquarters protection of sensitive business and customer data.