What is OpenWIPS-ng?
OpenWIPS-ng is an open-source wireless intrusion prevention system designed to identify and prevent unauthorized access to wireless networks. It provides a robust security solution for organizations looking to protect their wireless infrastructure from various types of threats. With its advanced features and customizable settings, OpenWIPS-ng has become a popular choice among network administrators and security professionals.
Main Features of OpenWIPS-ng
Some of the key features of OpenWIPS-ng include:
- Detection and prevention of wireless threats, including rogue access points and malicious clients
- Real-time monitoring and alerting of wireless network activity
- Support for multiple wireless protocols, including 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- Customizable settings for threat detection and prevention
How to Reduce Alerts in OpenWIPS-ng
Understanding Alert Types
OpenWIPS-ng generates alerts based on various types of wireless activity. To reduce alerts, it’s essential to understand the different types of alerts and configure the system accordingly.
There are two primary types of alerts in OpenWIPS-ng:
- Informational alerts: These alerts provide information about wireless activity, such as new device connections or changes in network configuration.
- Threat alerts: These alerts indicate potential security threats, such as rogue access points or malicious clients.
Configuring Alert Settings
To reduce alerts, you can configure the alert settings in OpenWIPS-ng. This includes:
- Setting alert thresholds: You can set thresholds for the number of alerts generated within a specific time period.
- Configuring alert filters: You can filter out specific types of alerts, such as informational alerts, to reduce the overall number of alerts.
- Enabling alert suppression: You can suppress alerts for specific devices or networks to reduce false positives.
SIEM-friendly Logging with Retention Policies and Repositories
What is SIEM?
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) is a security monitoring system that collects and analyzes log data from various sources to identify potential security threats.
OpenWIPS-ng Logging Capabilities
OpenWIPS-ng provides robust logging capabilities that are compatible with SIEM systems. The system generates detailed logs of wireless activity, including:
- Connection logs: Logs of device connections and disconnections.
- Activity logs: Logs of wireless activity, including data transmission and reception.
- Alert logs: Logs of generated alerts, including threat and informational alerts.
Retention Policies and Repositories
OpenWIPS-ng allows you to configure retention policies and repositories for log data. This includes:
- Setting log retention periods: You can set the duration for which log data is stored.
- Configuring log repositories: You can configure the system to store log data in external repositories, such as databases or file systems.
Download OpenWIPS-ng Free
Getting Started with OpenWIPS-ng
OpenWIPS-ng is available for free download from the official website. To get started, follow these steps:
- Download the OpenWIPS-ng installation package from the official website.
- Follow the installation instructions to install the system on your server or virtual machine.
- Configure the system settings, including alert settings and logging capabilities.
Best Alternative to OpenWIPS-ng
Other Wireless Intrusion Prevention Systems
While OpenWIPS-ng is a popular choice among network administrators and security professionals, there are other wireless intrusion prevention systems available. Some of the best alternatives to OpenWIPS-ng include:
- WIPS-ng: A commercial wireless intrusion prevention system that provides advanced features and customizable settings.
- AirWave: A wireless network management system that includes intrusion prevention capabilities.