Case Study
AirMagnet Keeps an Eye on Browsers for Memorial Library
The Challenge: Open Network, Limited Access
The Internet has revolutionized a number of industries and processes, but perhaps none quite as much as research. Attempting to find information without using the Internet today is akin to mounting a sundial on your wrist. It just doesn’t make sense. Public libraries have long been a place to study, and in the Internet age, that means that laptops abound. Since library personal computers often serve double-duty as library catalogs and Web kiosks, finding a spare PC in a public library is not easy. Since so many library-goers bring their laptops, wireless access to a library’s digital resources can ease the bottleneck.
Emma Clark is one of a growing number of libraries nationwide that are installing Wi-Fi to give laptop-toting visitors easier access to information. However, while securing a PC kiosk is a relatively simple proposition, securing a wireless network is quite another matter. When Emma
Clark assistant director Ted Gutmann decided to install a wireless network, he knew that it wouldn’t be as simple as plugging in an access point.
“Leaving our network wide open is not an option. Wireless networks can be breached from the parking lot, and we don’t want anyone spying on our users,” said Gutmann. “Before I could feel comfortable with a wireless network at Emma Clark, I wanted guaranteed protection against rogue APs, man-in-the-middle attacks and other types of wireless hacking techniques.”
The Solution: AirMagnet’s Wireless Security and Surveillance
When Gutmann began researching wireless security solutions (on the Internet, no doubt), he discovered a range of options. He looked at several products before ultimately deciding that the AirMagnet Enterprise wireless intrusion prevention system would be the best fit.
“Some products were too expensive, some lacked key functionality like policy enforcement or wireless blocking, and some vendors didn’t want to talk to us because we are a single library,” said Gutmann. “We settled on AirMagnet Enterprise quickly. It offered the best of all worlds for us, because it provided more functionality than the other options, but was also reasonably priced.”
Once he decided to move forward, Gutmann set up the network and the AirMagnet security system in less than a day. He designed a portal for library members to log into with a special access code. AirMagnet Enterprise integrates with the authentication system to identify users who try to log in without a proper code. The network has attracted nearly a hundred unique users in the first couple of months of availability. Initially the network was intended only for the public’s use, but AirMagnet system gave Gutmann the confidence to plan for a wireless network for staff as well.
“I wanted to install a new access point, so I tested the AirMagnet system by setting up the new access point and then blocking it as if it were a rogue, through the AirMagnet console,” Gutmann explained. “I didn’t need any tech support to set up AirMagnet, and haven’t had any technical issues.”
With AirMagnet Enterprise, Gutmann has observed some possible denial-of-service activity, performed a site survey and detected some interference that led him to reposition his access points. The range of the AirMagnet sensors extends further than the range of Emma Clark’s own wireless network, effectively establishing a surveillance perimeter that reaches several hundred feet beyond the library’s walls in every direction. Emma Clark is nearby to a university full of laptop-toting students, and Gutmann keeps a wary eye on other wireless access points and stations that come into range. He uses AirMagnet to distinguish friendly neighbours from potential hackers.
“Basically we were looking for peace of mind for the library and for our patrons,” he says.
“AirMagnet enforces our security policies, alerts me to malicious activity round the clock, and allows me to block it if I need to. I consider our library an early adopter, but there are a lot of libraries out there who are looking into wireless and don’t know anything about security.”
Visitors to Long Island in search of a good book, a little bit of history and a secure Wi-Fi connection should stop by Emma Clark
©2009 AirMagnet, Inc. All rights reserved. AirMagnet and AirWISE are registered trademarks, and the AirMagnet logo is a trademark, of AirMagnet, Inc. All other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.
