Using a Network Audit Checklist and Tools

A checklist is a document that lists all the steps necessary to complete a task successfully and efficiently, helping ensure it’s done without distractions or errors.

An audit can assist companies in identifying and mitigating any security vulnerabilities within their network, and increase cybersecurity to position them for success in today’s digital economy.

1. Security Assessment

Millions are lost every year to security threats that compromise networks and lead to stolen data, so making sure a company’s network is protected should be one of the primary goals for any IT department.

Undergoing an intensive security evaluation should be a cornerstone of the audit process for firms. Companies should inventory their information assets and determine how compromised versions could affect them in terms of impact and recovery efforts.

There are various tools available that assist with security assessment processes, such as Solarwinds, Open-AudIT and NetformX. These can perform inventory, network diagrams and report generation. Other programs like Nessus and Nipper can assess device configuration and recommend best practices.

2. Security Policy

Each year, companies lose millions to cyberattacks that cause downed networks and steal data. In order to stay abreast of these threats, businesses need to conduct regular audits of their networks, policies and practices in order to keep themselves safe.

This means assessing how much access each employee has to the network, with the goal of limiting access as much as possible to protect against hackers gaining entry. Furthermore, procedures should be in place for guests using it and what information can be shared among guests.

This process allows firms to conduct an in-depth review and inventory of their information assets, assess any adverse customer and firm impact resulting from compromise of these assets, and decide which vulnerabilities must be rectified and which they can accept as risks.

3. Access Control

Millions are lost every year to cybersecurity attacks, including disrupted networks and computers as well as stolen data. Regular audits are crucial in uncovering vulnerabilities, mitigating risks and preventing costly cyber attacks.

Access control is a critical aspect of network auditing. This involves making sure only those who need access can gain it and that no outsiders gain entry to your company’s information.

Perform quality assurance checks on all configurations, such as SNMP, Telnet and SSH access methods; DNS servers; workstations and server hardware. Some tools even enable direct integration with Original Equipment Manufacturers for retrieving milestone information like End-of-Sale and End-of-Support dates.

4. Network Security

An audit should cover all elements of an organization’s network infrastructure, from routers, firewalls and computers to routers, firewalls and applications. A thorough investigation may even examine applications on your network.

Cyber threats cost billions each year in terms of network disruption and information theft. Regular network security audits can help mitigate risks and keep business operations running smoothly.

Once the audit is completed, upper management should be made aware of any problems identified during it. This can assist them in making decisions regarding resource allocation in the future and identify hardware or software which needs upgrading as well as set goals for their cybersecurity program.

5. Security Patches

When reviewing bandwidth patterns, it is essential that businesses also look into security patches and software updates that might boost performance. This helps prevent businesses from experiencing issues associated with slow and outdated systems – including lost firewall access and improper patch management.

Process Street offers you a pre-filled network security audit template which contains all the elements required to successfully implement an ISO 27001 information security management systems (ISMS) compliance project, such as standards and ISMS compliance-detail columns, assessment results columns and an ISMS process checklist containing tasks for every area of the ISMS process. Furthermore, this template is completely editable allowing you to add or subtract steps as necessary.

6. Monitoring

Employing network audit checklists and tools will enable businesses to take an proactive versus reactive approach when it comes to cybersecurity. By closely examining issues like bandwidth patterns and outdated patches, businesses can detect any weaknesses before hackers exploit them.

Conducting a network audit can be time consuming, but tools like SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager (NCM) make the process quick and painless. Users can quickly create client risk summary reports, XP migration readiness reports, change management reports and asset detail reports using NCM software.

ITarian is another viable solution, providing network administrators with in-depth scanning and reporting capabilities to prioritise security and performance. This software detects vulnerabilities across networks, servers and endpoints before providing risk mitigation advice.