Who Needs a Network Security Assessment?
By Kimberly Connella | October 16, 2019 | 0 Comments
What is a Network Security Assessment?
Every business with an internet connection needs a network security assessment. A network security assessment is a review of a network’s infrastructure, management, security, policies, and performance.
A network security assessment is designed to find vulnerabilities in a network that could interrupt business operations, leak sensitive information, or increase the likelihood of cyber attacks.
The assessment analyzes your network security from both the outside and the inside, then provides a comprehensive report of your network’s weaknesses and strengths.
Ultimately, network assessments, if done right, will expose any flaws in your system and then recommend solutions to fix any vulnerabilities that put your network at risk.
Who Needs a Network Security Assessment?
Every business that has a network should be conducting regular network assessments or using a third party to complete the task.
Network security should be a priority for every business.
Without this assessment, it’s impossible to understand the overall strength or weakness of your network. As a result, you’re left more vulnerable to cyber attacks or other IT related issues.
However, there are other occasions where businesses find themselves in need of a network assessment. Specifically, here are a few examples:
- Your IT system has grown and you’re no longer aware of or in control of all the moving parts. You need an updated and more current view of your system to feel secure that it’s operating as safely and efficiently as possible.
- Your IT system has started to fail or technical issues are becoming more frequent. You may have an idea of where the problem is coming from, but you want an in-depth analysis of the issues as well as a list of solutions.
- You’re looking to make a change or new configuration on your network, but don’t want to do so until you fully understand your current infrastructure. You want to ensure all systems are good to go before making any changes to your network.
Companies need security assessments to make informed and strategic business decisions. Businesses increasingly rely on technology. As a result, if your systems aren’t up to date and running as efficiently as possible, then business operations suffer. However, network assessments also offer another key benefit to businesses: information assurance.
The Business Benefits
Data is an asset to every company. As a result, data breaches happen shockingly regularly. When sensitive data is leaked, it can tarnish reputations and even close businesses.
Network assessments are an important aspect of information assurance. Information assurance is the practice of assuring information and managing risks related to the use, processing, storage, and transmission of data, and the systems and processes used for those purposes.
In the age of data breaches, information assurance is a business enabler.
In order to retain complete control of your network and data, you need an assessment to identify and categorize your risks.
If your company’s network has too many risks, internet hackers can locate and compromise your network.
Lately, there have been many high-profile cases that have highlighted the need to understand and fix network security risks. Hackers have taken advantage of weaknesses in the security of the following high-profile businesses:
- DoorDash data breach exposes 4.9 million customers
- Capital One data breach exposes 100 million customers
- Quest Diagnostics data breach exposes 11.9 million customers
Above are three of the most public and recent data breaches. As you can see, network security issues plague every line of business.
A network assessment is a proactive approach to security that can save you time and money in the future.
Take Your free Network Security Assessment
Finally, if you’re looking for a network security assessment or other sure ways to secure your network, aNetworks offers free consults and cyber security assessments.