AirMagnet Introduces BlueSweep Utility for Bluetooth

Free Download Gives Users Complete Picture of Bluetooth-Related Activity and Potential Security Threats

SUNNYVALE, Calif., October 26, 2005 —AirMagnet, Inc., the leader in wireless LAN (WLAN) security and performance solutions, today introduced its BlueSweep™ software, designed to identify nearby devices with Bluetooth wireless technology and alert users to potential Bluetooth security risks. The AirMagnet software identifies and tracks devices up to 300 feet away and lets users know what their own Bluetooth devices are doing. BlueSweep runs on laptop computers that support Windows XP, and is available immediately as a free software download at www.airmagnet.com/products/bluesweep.htm

“While a number of security vulnerabilities in Bluetooth have been identified, Bluetooth security can be managed if one just has the right information,” said Craig Mathias, a principal with the wireless and mobile advisory firm Farpoint Group in Ashland, Mass. “AirMagnet has generously developed a free software tool that Bluetooth users should find helpful in determining how secure their devices really are.”

BlueSweep gives users a complete picture of nearby Bluetooth activity, including interconnections between Bluetooth devices and all services on those devices. The AirMagnet software also identifies the make and manufacturer of Bluetooth devices within range. This lets users perform real-time audits of Bluetooth activity and potential vulnerabilities. The software also stores activity history for offline analysis.

Bluetooth applications typically require a security code to authenticate communications among devices, similar to the WEP encryption key used by Wi-Fi users. If the code is not used or is compromised, unauthorized access to Bluetooth devices like cell phones, laptops or even onboard automobile computers is possible. Researchers have discovered several specific ways that Bluetooth is vulnerable. The Cabir worm—malware targeted at cell phones that first appeared in 2004—can propagate among devices via wireless Bluetooth connections. Austrian researcher Martin Herfurt introduced a tool this summer, dubbed the “Car Whisperer,” that allows its users to listen to conversations in passing cars via Bluetooth connections, as reported by Ivan Berger on August 16th in the New York Times.

“Bluetooth is everywhere—phones, laptop computers, printers, TVs, even automobiles—it’s a useful short-range technology that’s not going away anytime soon,” said Dean Au, chief executive officer of AirMagnet . “As Bluetooth devices continue to proliferate, they will become a bigger target for hackers BlueSweep gives Bluetooth users a way to know if their devices are vulnerable.”

About AirMagnet

Founded in 2001, AirMagnet, Inc. provides the most trusted WLAN management and security software systems in enterprise, laptop and handheld configurations. Used by tens of thousands of IT professionals at more than 4,000 companies worldwide—including 73 of the Fortune 100—in manufacturing, financial, retail, service, health care, utility, transportation, education and government sectors, AirMagnet solves Wi-Fi connection problems, enforces wireless security policies, tracks down unauthorized access, simplifies site surveys, and locks in unprecedented levels of network performance, security and reliability. Additional information about AirMagnet and its products is available on the Web at www.AirMagnet.com .



© 2005 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.

Contact Information

Jenny Coupe

Media Contact

AirMagnet, Inc.

Contact via E-mail