It seems like every day you hear about a new breach to someone’s network.
In order to battle these network security threats, the first thing your company should do is conduct a network security assessment.
What is a network security assessment?
A network security assessment incorporates the reviews of security design principles, traffic flows, and network and security solutions. It will help identify the steps that need to be followed to prepare yourself, your company and your network security infrastructure.
During the auditing process, the following steps will occur:
Interviews are conducted with key stakeholders to make sure there is a complete understanding of your company’s infrastructure, perimeter security and data flows
Potential areas that are vulnerable to information compromise or disclosure are identified
Problems and vulnerabilities of partners, employees, and stakeholders are pinpointed
Weaknesses and issues within your company’s IT infrastructure are documented and analyzed
Comprehensive scans are regulated to locate the IT equivalent of open windows
Your internal network is tested to determine how it interacts with outside parties
Internal network weaknesses are investigated
All wireless nets, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RFID and rogue devices are reviewed
Employees are educated about social engineering attacks
Based on these reviews, you should have a complete understanding of your environment, and you receive a report that summarizes your company’s current network architecture and current security.
Benefits of a Network Security Assessment
The main benefits of a network security assessment are to:
Enhance cloud security
Recognize vital network assets and segment to be protected
Find a balance between guaranteeing security and accomplishing compliance
Understand your network’s design from a security standpoint
Lower operating and capital costs by combining functionalities
Line up security requirements with network architecture
Increase perimeter and internal network security
Integrate technologies that add value to your existing internal network security infrastructure
With the help of a network security assessment, you should be able to create changes and improvements to your architecture in order to improve your overall security posture.