As a business grows, it often needs to expand its IT networks for accessing and providing increased functionality. In doing so, many times a business may overlook optimal practices and security requirements. Network assessment can help a business gain visibility into IT issues, to rectify them before they affect the business performance.

What is Network Assessment?

Network assessments help in exposing IT security and network issues and allow to generate reports that outline the rectification steps. A network assessment report should be clear and comprehensive, and based on the key findings of the assessment. A good report also includes SWOT analysis of the network.

Network Assessment Checklist

To ensure the dependability and functionality of your business network, it is important to conduct a regular network assessments. Hence, it is best to make this a priority, or the network will likely not perform as expected. To make it easier, this checklist outlines the important components should be a part of network assessments.

Assessing Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy

BYOD is now an unavoidable phenomenon. Even with restrictions, it is likely that the staff will need to bring their personal devices to work, and connect them to the organisation’s network. Thus, potentially resulting in slower speeds, increased bandwidth demands, and potential security vulnerabilities.

To overcome these issues, there should be clear and detailed policies for BYOD. When assessing the policy, it is important to consider unknown hardware, unapproved third-party applications, and the connected devices along with the vulnerabilities created by them.

Assessing Network Security Vulnerability

Cybersecurity vulnerabilities are common way for hackers to exploit and gain access to networks. They can exist in hardware, software, or even the physical environment. Some of these are easily resolvable, but others require a professional network assessment for identification and patching. It is best to address common vulnerabilities such as outdated security patches and poor password management practices.

Assessing Network Bandwidth Demand

Networks have limited bandwidth to be shared among the users. Thus, by monitoring how bandwidth is distributed and used, it is easy to determine if the network needs expansion, or if one needs to address individual devices and applications.

Network Infrastructure Assessment

This includes assessing the system’s software and hardware components. Software includes applications, firewalls, and operating systems. Hardware includes access points, switches, and cables. To establish a healthy infrastructure, it is necessary to examine bandwidth patterns and update patches.

Network Files and Data Security Assessment

Data security contributes towards overall network security. It is best to asses how the business gathers, stores, accesses, and distributes confidential information. Data that is poorly secured can quickly become a vulnerability and can expose a business to regulatory issues. It’s also imperative to manage who has access to what.

If you would like to have professional and thorough network assessment for your enterprise, contact Aardwolf Security to find how we can be assistance.

The post Network Assessment Checklist appeared first on Aardwolf Security.