It's no secret that cybersecurity is no longer an optional aspect to running a business. Cyber readiness can seem daunting, especially with new cyberattack methods surfacing every day that target businesses. This has created a need for business network audits.
The network security audit, or network assessment, is a holistic evaluation of your IT environment. It empowers business leaders to make decisions with the help of managed service providers (MSPs) to optimize efficiency while securing sensitive assets from hackers.
If you're on the fence about pulling the trigger on a network audit, here's an overview of what they are, what they find out, and how to leverage them.
What is a Network Assessment?
A network assessment is a comprehensive analysis of your network that can give you a better understanding of your network infrastructure, security, and IT processes.
During this process, your MSP will take an in-depth look at:
- Network devices, or any tools that are running on your network
- Your network performance performance
- Any upgrades needed to defend against cyber threats
- Network architecture, and assessing security
When you get a paid network assessment, make sure it's done by a qualified managed service provider. They should analyze your infrastructure thoroughly, and create customized solutions based on their industry expertise.
Why Get a Network Assessment?
Organizations are often unaware of what is taking place on their business networks. This is cause for concern because they are blind to any inefficiencies or endpoint vulnerabilities lurking.
Sophisticated MSP network audit tools allow IT experts to view your network from the perspective of a hacker. It shows the holes where attackers may be able to sneak into your network to wreak havoc.
Being aware of these gaps gives you an advantage in defending against attacks. In this way, a detailed analysis of your network will allow you to identify opportunities for improvement. This is just one aspect of the overall value network assessments offer.
These evaluations are also useful in some highly regulated industries where vulnerability scans are a regular requirement. Many industries are subject to federal and state laws that require businesses to protect personally identifiable information.
To learn more about data protection and security, read our blog: Data Protection vs Data Security.
What Will a Network Assessment Look Like?
The term "network assessment" may seem a bit broad if you're not accustomed to IT and cybersecurity services. Some details this service will identify include:
- Performance inefficiencies
- Security issues and blind spots
- Network infrastructure design issues
- Server and Storage status
Some examples of specific activities often performed during these evaluations include:
- Identifying the company process for password expiration - The longer your old password goes without changing, the greater the risk you have of passwords getting compromised.
- Determining if your operating system is still supported by the manufacturer
- Identifying unused user accounts that have not been deactivated or removed properly - Accounts that sit idle pose security threats if hackers are able to steal or guess login credentials
- Discovering operating systems active in your environment that may be beyond support - this poses a potential security risk.
- Identifying critical asset age and warranty status, along with proper security patches - this allows you to formulate a plan for replacement and updates
Through these steps among others, network assessments give you a 360° view of your network infrastructure. In doing so, it allows your IT provider to isolate network security vulnerabilities that could compromise company success.
This brings about a C-level conversation that lays out an infrastructure budget and plans for the next 3-5 years.
Why an MSP Is Your Key to Success
Once you have a full assessment of your network, most of the information will be hard to interpret unless you are an IT expert.
For this reason, a knowledgeable managed service provider is a great resource to translate the findings for you. They can also ensure you have the best tools and processes for your network and its infrastructure.
To learn how an MSP can supercharge your business growth, read this blog by Usherwoood's Chief Financial Officer about how solid IT can lead to more money in your pocket: Ask The Expert: How Technology Management Can Expedite Your Business Growth.
How to Get a Network Audit
Getting a network assessment is fairly easy, as most MSPs will offer them right out the gate. However, you'll want to find a quality MSP capable of being thorough enough to spot any and all flaws in your network. Your cybersecurity is only as advanced as your IT provider's expertise.
To see a more detailed network security audit checklist we use when evaluating business networks, check out our blog: Network Assessments: What Insights Do They Reveal?
If you're ready to take charge of your network security and productivity, click the button below to speak to an IT expert about your business.
