Network Security Audits: Understanding the Importance of Risk Assessment

Security assessments and audits are vital aspects of managing a network. If your company has never completed one, you may be due to have it completed at this very moment. A network audit is recommended at least on a quarterly basis, occasionally this may be even more frequent, depending on your organisation's needs.

In most of today's demands for new technologies, you need to take the necessary procedures to protect yourself from perpetrators. Creating a network security audit is the first step in protecting all of your assets, physical and intangible, which can help save your company time and money.

What happens in your audit?

You have to list assets, review current threats, analyse each threat and develop a plan to counter issues that arise in your network. Some of the best networks are penetrated, but the likelihood of it happening again is rather low if the audits are done correctly.

List assets.

'Assets' are computers, company information, credit card numbers and other important physical technologies in your business. A few other tangibles include cameras, PDAs, laptops, mouse, and printers (mostly in small businesses). All of these pieces of equipment are important in identifying possible issues that happen when in use. If you want a thorough list of your inventory, it is time to make a tracking sheet that includes the users' names, designated property and purpose of the assets in their possession.

Review current threats.

What are your current threats? It may include lack of password encryption, email hacks and even data backups that do not work. Many businesses have an exhausted list of problems that can arise, but it can lead you in the wrong direction. A professional network administrator will be able to address each asset's threat in a comprehensive list if you feel overwhelmed.

Analyse each threat.

How does each threat interrupt your business operations? Network administrators and Chief Information Officers (CIOs) are responsible for building a corresponding list that removes the mystery of security risks. The execution of the protective steps must be overviewed by professionals with experience - it is vital to get one of the UK's finest IT networkers are available to help you.

When is it the most important?

A security audit is very important. You have to consider the possibilities of losing information if a backup defaults, employees entering unauthorised files, and potential hackers from outside the organisation. Without addressing these issues now, you can lose the power to control your business' protection against an IT attack. Another crucial step in managing your security audit is to use the latest and most reliable network testing software to pinpoint issues that can harm your operations.

Preparation is the best way to prevent problems with your network. Security reinforcements and addressing issues early are smart steps towards prevention. Without a solid plan in place, there can be problems you cannot overcome in the future. If you are not sure that an audit is necessary, contact a local network administrator to discuss possibilities or points of interest regarding your company. There are problems circling your network that are unseen - keep them at bay by preventing occurrences now.

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. For information on Network Auditing Services, he recommends Network 24.