Enterprise Wireless LAN Security & WLAN Monitoring

AirDefense and Direct Source Enable Retailers to Meet PCI Mandates and Protect Against Wireless Network Threats

Retailers with legacy wireless systems can protect and enhance investments without experiencing the high cost of replacement

National Retail Federation Convention & Expo, NYC―January 14, 2008―National Retail Federation Convention and Expo, New York, Jan. 14, 2008 —AirDefense, the innovator that launched the wireless LAN security market, and Direct Source, a national installation and integration provider, have partnered to help leading retailers preserve their current investment in legacy handheld devices. Combining AirDefense’s WEP Cloaking™ module and Direct Source’s installation expertise, tier one retailers can supplement existing Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) enabled networks with additional security technology from AirDefense and installation and integration expertise from Direct Source to meet Payment Card Industry (PCI) mandates.

AirDefense’s recent comprehensive survey on the wireless security practices in place at leading retailers across the United States revealed that 85 percent of the devices monitored at more than 3,000 stores nationwide and in Europe could have been compromised, due to data leakage, mis-configured access points, poor naming choices for access points, outdated access point firmware and a “cookie-cutter” technology approach. This occurs when the same technology is used in all retail locations so vulnerabilities repeat themselves across the entire store’s chain.

Today, handheld devices used by retailers include wireless point-of-sales systems, barcode scanners and VoIP handsets. These devices generally support only the WEP security standard to protect their wireless networks. Through a process of installing sensors on existing wireless security systems, retailers can migrate to a PCI data security standard-compliant solution and potentially save tens-of-millions of dollars in upgrades and training.

“Tier one retailers overhauling current legacy handheld devices and equipment could potentially spend tens-of-millions of dollars to buy new wireless point-of-sale systems, bar code scanners and/or VoIP handsets,” said Mike Potts, president and CEO, AirDefense. “The cost-effective and secure alternative is partnering with AirDefense and Direct Source. AirDefense’s WEP Cloaking™ module is the industry’s first and only technology that supplements legacy WEP encrypted networks and Direct Source has vast experience working with tier one retailers on the installation and integration process.”

“Retailers always face competitive pressures that mandate making smart choices about any expenditure that will affect their bottom line,” said Brad Fick, president, Direct Source. “Our partnership with AirDefense allows retailers to extend the life of legacy wireless systems and save money. Retailers will now see that resources are being shifted from replacement to extension, all while preserving the consumer shopping experience and adhering to PCI data security standards to protect customer information.”

During the National Retail Federation Convention and Expo, Jan. 13-16, Jacob Javits Center, 655 West 34th Street, New York, Booth #2249, Direct Source will be demonstrating how new wireless security deployments can help avoid total system replacement. For more information on AirDefense’s WEP Cloaking module, stop by Booth #3106.

About AirDefense
AirDefense is the market leader in anywhere, anytime wireless security. The company is trusted by more Fortune 500 companies, healthcare organizations and high-security government agencies for enterprise wireless protection than any other company. AirDefense products provide the most advanced solutions for rogue wireless detection, policy enforcement and intrusion prevention, both inside and outside an organization's physical locations and wired networks. Common Criteria-certified, AirDefense enterprise-class products scale to support single offices as well as organizations with hundreds of locations around the globe. Founded in 2001, AirDefense is based in Atlanta, GA and serves nearly 700 government agencies and blue chip corporations. For more information, please visit http://www.airdefense.net or call 770.663.8115.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., Direct Source (www.directsource.com) is a nationally-recognized retail installation and integration services provider for tier one retailers, with an expanding network of more than 1,500 national installation specialists. Direct Source’s flexible in-store solutions are designed to help retailers maintain a competitive edge and improve store productivity and customer service. Not influenced by individual manufacturers, single vision systems or the latest in unproven technologies, Direct Source draws upon its flexible, innovative, industry-encompassing experience to recommend independent solutions, both hardware and software, that help clients operate faster, smarter and more profitably.

AirDefense Contact:
Amy Fisher
Padilla Speer Beardsley for Direct Source
(612) 455.1773
afisher@psbpr.com