In-Place Monitoring System (IPMS)

In-place monitoring systems (IPMS) are designed to protect government and high-risk areas from wireless threats. In today’s cybersecurity landscape, they function best as part of a larger solution set that can detect more clandestine or low-energy devices often used for wireless espionage and data exfiltration.

What is an in-place monitoring system (IPMS)?

An in-place monitoring system (IPMS) is a security solution that continuously monitors and analyzes radio frequency (RF) activities within a designated area. IPMS is an important part of wireless airspace defense, helping detect unauthorized wireless devices and networks, malicious tools, and other wireless risks in government and commercial spaces. 

The limitations of traditional IPMS

IPMS is a complementary function to wireless intrusion detection, as it typically detects RF signals on a broader spectrum with more focus on the physical environment. However, most IPMS solutions are limited in their ability to monitor complex indoor spaces with physical barriers. They also have trouble pinpointing the exact location and nature of detected devices and networks. For this reason, standalone IPMS systems are not sufficient in securing highly regulated, critical environments.

THEY’RE LIMITED IN COVERAGE, ESPECIALLY INDOORS WITH MANY PHYSICAL BARRIERS

IPMS systems alone lack the advanced scanning and AI modeling capabilities that allow platforms like Bastille to overcome the physical barriers of indoor spaces. They are better at detecting potential threats than discovering a comprehensive list of questionable devices and wireless emitters or and continuously tracking their locations.

THEY HAVE TROUBLE WITH NOISE AND FALSE POSITIVES

In environments with a high density of wireless devices, like busy offices and event spaces, IPMS can struggle to distinguish between legitimate signals and potential threats. This results in false positives, where benign devices are flagged as unauthorized or suspicious, overwhelming security teams with alerts.

THEY DETECT PRESENCE, NOT CONTEXT LIKE INTENT OR BEHAVIOR OF A DEVICE

While IPMS can detect the presence of wireless signals, it may not always be able to determine the intent or behavior of the detected device. This makes it difficult to assess whether a detected signal is a genuine threat, such as a rogue access point, or a non-malicious device operating outside standard parameters.

IPMS solutions may also have difficulty differentiating between similar types of devices, especially in environments with a mix of authorized and unauthorized devices. This can complicate efforts to pinpoint specific threats.

THEY REQUIRE SPECIALIZED EMPLOYEES TO ANALYZE THEIR DATA

IPMS generates large volumes of data about wireless activities, and making sense of this data requires specialized knowledge. Organizations often need skilled, hard-to-hire staff to interpret IPMS alerts and assess the nature of potential threats, which can increase operational costs and cause threat visibility gaps.

What does a modern in-place monitoring system (IPMS) do?

Today, the best in-place monitoring systems (IPMS) are part of a broader wireless airspace defense platform. Bastille is the only platform that offers IPMS, wireless intrusion detection, and highly accurate wireless device and network location for a complete picture of what’s happening in your facilities.

MAP AND WORK AROUND COMPLEX INTERIOR SPACES

Bastille’s patented RF tomography and sensing technology breaks through the limits of standalone IPMS systems, accurately mapping rooms and facilities without needing a blueprint and locating wireless signals despite physical barriers.

UNDERSTAND THE EXACT LOCATION, NATURE, AND DETAILS OF EACH WIRELESS ASSET DETECTED

Bastille enriches basic wireless threat detection data with business context and location data that helps security prevention and response teams better protect their facilities. The platform also allows you to play back historical locations and other forensic data for a complete view into threats once an investigation is underway.

INTEGRATE SEAMLESSLY INTO YOUR GREATER CYBERSECURITY ECOSYSTEM

Effectively using IPMS alongside other security solutions—like WIDS, SIEM, or SOAR—is critical to protect against today’s wireless threats. However, this requires expertise in integrating these tools. Bastille removes this hurdle with API-forward architecture and a collection of partner apps and integrations.