A network audit and risk assessment are simply a process used to evaluate IT infrastructure and security of an organization. It evaluates the current processes used by business and the performance of the network system and even takes a look into IT management. The assessment is conducted using specific analysis tools that are able to identify and generate a report on gaps that could be problematic to any business health.
Goals of the Audit
The goal of an audit is to identify and address problems for a company. Some examples of when one may consider the audit include:
- When you are not certain about what parts of your infrastructure handle what tasks
- When your network is not working effectively
- When you have concerns about a virus or malware
- When you are working on a strategic plan for the future
A risk assessment also identifies potential security risks. Large businesses that have their own IT departments and teams to monitor for these things are not as prone to attack as smaller businesses that often do not know or understand the importance of network security.
By getting an assessment and auditing your network, one will be able to clarify the areas with the highest risk and take measures to improve the situation. Overall, an audit gives you the power to make informed decisions about your business network.
What the Assessment Includes
The goal of a network assessment is to look at various aspects of the company’s IT infrastructure and clarify the current way it is being used by the company. It finds weaknesses or problems, as well as inefficiencies that may slow down your company’s progress.
A risk assessment looks at vulnerabilities in your network. Some common vulnerabilities include:
- Application Security (Productivity tools, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) CRM, Virtual Machine (VM) software, Web-based applications)
- Passwords
- Excessive User Access
- Workstation Security
- Wi-Fi Networks
The goal of a risk assessment is to find potential vulnerabilities before it allows a hacker or virus to cause problems for your business. We use the assessment to find appropriate solutions for security concerns.
Why is it Important?
A risk assessment and a network audit are important to protect the organizations from outside threats. It helps to find problems before one can have a data breach and gives ones a chance to shield business from the worst situations.
To put it another way, one should ask these questions.
If you were locked out of your data, be it patient records, financial records, or legal case files, etc; would you be able to afford to spend tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars to get that data back?
What would happen to the reputation of your business if this data was sold in the black market? This is often what happens if you decide not to pay up. This can also happen even if you do decide to pay up. Hackers find a way to sell the data and make money anyway.
Consequences of Security Breaches
In certain industries, like healthcare, a doctor’s office could be fined for a breach if data security measures are not considered. If the medical authorities find out that the doctor did not put the proper security measures in place, they will consider this to be negligence to sensitive patient data. This kind of fine can easily put a doctor’s practice out of business.
60 percent of small companies go out of business within six months of a cyber-attack. Do not let this be you. Know your risks.
Who Needs the Audit and Assessment?
As a general rule, all small businesses and growing companies need a network audit and risk assessment. If your business uses technology, then you need the assessment to clarify the potential problems that may arise.
Technology that may be used in a company and require an audit include:
- Computers
- Tablets
- Smartphones
- A server dedicated to your business needs
- Specialized tools for your industry (accounting platforms, modern printers, scanners, and other office technology)
- Networking Infrastructure
If your company uses any technology, then you need to keep up with security measures. An audit gives you the chance to organize your system infrastructure while an assessment helps you clarify the risks to your business.
Risk of Waiting
Putting off an audit keeps you in the dark and exponentially increases your risk of the consequences.
The common problems that may arise include:
- Outdated operating systems, software, or hardware that is no longer supported can and will open you up to security risks
- Your data can be breached by a hacker
- Attacks from viruses, malware or ransomware can cripple your systems
- Network Congestions and poor performance of the network.
Small businesses have a high risk of attack when compared to large companies. The primary reason is the possibility of the company having few security measures to protect customer data. A network audit and risk assessment provide you the chance to improve your IT security and reduce the risks to your business.
How to Get a Network Audit and Risk Assessment
Getting your network audited and assessed for risk will help you be proactive about protecting your company and maintaining progress.
It helps you identify security risks and find problems within your current infrastructure that is slowing down your business productivity. It allows you to make an informed decision about what to do for your IT security.
When you are ready to consider an audit or risk assessment, our team is available to help make it happen!
We have decades of experience and a dedicated team that loves what they do. We offer a comprehensive evaluation of your network system and arm you with the information you need to be prepared for any situation. This analysis, audit report and our professional recommendations are yours to keep. You can decide on the next steps that make sense for you.
However, if you were to hire us as your outsourced technology partner, we will help you develop a realistic plan of action to mitigate these risks and protect your business.