Published 31 Jan 2023
What is a Network Security Audit?
A network security audit is the process of proactively assessing the security and integrity of organizational networks. Conducted by IT managers and network security teams, it helps uncover and mitigate costly threats to an organization’s network and data assets.
Network Audit Checklist
A network security audit checklist is used to proactively assess the security and integrity of organizational networks. IT managers and network security teams can use this digitized checklist to help uncover threats by checking the following items—firewall, computers and network devices, user accounts, malware, software, and other network security protocols. “No” answers on the checklist highlight opportunities for corrective action. With the SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor) mobile app and software, you are empowered to:
- Create and assign action items for specific issues found.
- Make relevant notes for audits conducted.
- Be aware of scheduled audits.
- Highlight risks to network security.
- Customize SafetyCulture network security audit templates to fit the needs of your organization.
In this article
- What is a Network Security Audit Checklist?
- 5 Common Network Security Risks and Recommended Solutions
- Technology for Building Effective Network Security Audit Checklists
- Network Security Audit Templates
What is a Network Security Audit Checklist?
A network security audit checklist is a tool used during routine network audits (done once a year at the very least) to help identify threats to network security, determine their source, and address them immediately. A network audit checklist is typically used for checking the firewall, software, hardware, malware, user access, network connections, etc.
5 Common Network Security Risks and Recommended Solutions
As network security risks continue to evolve, they remain a constant threat to any organization. Here are some of the most common network security risks and the recommended solutions to mitigate them:
Malware
Malware, such as computer viruses, spyware, trojans, worms, etc., are constant threats to the network and other information technology assets. Always check if anti-malware is updated and is running periodic scans to protect the organization’s assets from potential threats.
Outdated operating systems
System updates include patches and updated security measures that intend to protect assets from newly discovered vulnerabilities. Allowing applicable system updates will help ensure that your operating systems and assets are protected from new threats.
New threats
Organizations that were vulnerable got hit in 2018 by the NotPetya ransomware, losing hundreds of millions of dollars and suffering unscheduled operational downtime. Proactively staying up-to-date with new threats to cyber and network security can help organizations mitigate IT risks and avoid reputation-damaging losses.
Unauthorized access
Employees and vendors who are no longer associated with the organization but still have access to company assets can be network-security risks. Proper off-boarding and deactivation of access will help protect the network from unintended or malicious access.
Human error
Neglect, lack of knowledge of network security, and malicious intent can render a network vulnerable to security threats. Provide training in using information technology and network assets for all employees and remind everyone to be mindful of how they handle information and network security. Conducting network security audits can help proactively reinforce cybersecurity and avoid costly IT incidents.
Technology for Building Effective Network Security Audit Checklists
Proactively conducting routine network security audits is a must if organizations intend to find and address threats to network security. SafetyCulture, the world’s most powerful auditing app, can help IT managers and network security teams in any industry or organization conduct network security audit anytime, anywhere. With the SafetyCulture mobile app and software, you can:
- Create mobile-ready network security checklists.
- Schedule routine audits to ensure proactive monitoring. Be aware when scheduled audits are not completed.
- Save time and effort with a mobile app that automatically creates comprehensive paperless network security reports as audits are completed. Spend valuable time and resources on actually addressing network risks found.
- Make relevant notes for specific audit checklist items and have visibility of paperless network security reports from any site. Preview a sample network security PDF report.
- Analyze internal audit results and use the collected information to improve employee training for competency in network security.
- Utilize API integration for seamless network security reporting and other usages.
- Use for free with small network security teams. Unlimited reports and storage for premium accounts.
To help you get started, we have created 4 network security templates that you can download and customize according to your needs.
Network Security Audit Templates
Network Security Protocol
Use this risk assessment template specifically designed for IT and network security. Enter as many vulnerabilities observed as needed and fill out the fields, attach optional photos or flow diagrams, and provide the risk rating and recommend controls for each threat.
IT and Network Security Risk Assessment Checklist
Use this IT and network security assessment checklist to determine the level of risk in the following: organizational and company practices, security against physical threats, data security practices, information and software integrity, device security and network protection, incident response. Rate if the risk is high, medium, low, or no risk and have the option to assign corrective actions especially for time-sensitive issues.
Bonus! IT Risk Assessment Template
Use this for the risk assessment of new information technology assets to ensure that all risks are assessed and corresponding control measures are put in place to protect network security.
