Security Audit Checklist For SAN Storage

For optimal protection from cyber threats, all SAN systems require stringent security protocols, including encryption of both at rest and transit data.

To ensure the security of your business, it’s vital that you create a security audit checklist for your SAN storage. This will help identify what areas require improvement as well as any areas that might have already been addressed.

1. Audit Logs
Every security event, whether caused by hackers or from business activities themselves, warrants tracking. A good way of doing this is with SIEM software; teams can examine events across devices on the network from a single interface and quickly spot any anomalies or potential risks.

Documentation is another key element of SAN security, as it ensures employees can abide by recovery procedures in the event of an incident and make auditing more manageable for third-party auditors.

Acquiring ISO 27001 certification requires companies to demonstrate that they are dedicated to improving their cybersecurity practices, with an ongoing evaluation of existing controls and policies for effectiveness. To do this, companies must consistently evaluate whether existing controls and policies remain adequate and efficient.

2. Encryption
Be sure that all files stored on your SAN are encrypted at rest and in transit to make it harder for hackers to gain entry and steal data when breaching networks. Also set access controls so employees only see information they need.

Documenting all SAN interfaces can help teams easily identify and monitor any suspicious activity – this may prove particularly beneficial during third-party audits.

Businesses should draft a disaster recovery plan for their storage area networks (SANs), including where backup copies should be kept, to reduce turnaround time when needing to restore data systems or recover after hacker attacks.

3. Backups
SAN backup solutions provide businesses with an invaluable safeguard against data loss. By protecting against disaster, cyberattacks or hardware failure, these backup systems help minimize costly downtime that often ensues after disaster strikes or an attack by cybercriminals.

Physically installing a storage area network requires careful rack placement and mounting of all hardware elements, and setting the stage for operation with configuration: Zoning/LUN masking strategies establish access control while routing/protocol/topology configuration optimize performance.

IT teams should implement stringent firewall rules and utilize an extensive blacklist in order to block IP addresses that host malware or viruses, and document thorough backup procedures so employees have an easier time following restoration guidelines when they know where all backup copies are located.

4. Access Control
Data breaches often involve unapproved access, either from hackers or employees with bad intentions. To safeguard against this happening, the SAN must implement encryption solutions both while stored and during transit.

Physical security should also be prioritized in server rooms and premises, from fences, camera systems, and security guards. Teams may implement secure log-on protocols so employees only gain access to files they require.

Teams should go beyond having a robust cybersecurity posture by also taking steps to prepare for security audits. One such preparation strategy is performing pen tests, which will reveal any weaknesses within an infrastructure. Documenting security practices also proves beneficial as they allow auditors to review work done by teams.

5. Monitoring
All files must have access controls approved by business IT and security teams to prevent attackers from moving between computers or storage solutions within the network. This helps safeguard against potential vulnerabilities for security breaching.

Teams should implement encryption for data in transit to ensure information remains safe as it moves across their SANs, making it more difficult for attackers to breach and steal sensitive data from them.

Pen tests can be an excellent way to prepare for a SAN audit, according to Chris Novak. They enable businesses to identify areas in need of improvement, which will make the final audit process more efficient, saving both time and money – as well as decreasing stress associated with an external audit.