Do you know all the potential issues with your network? What if you experienced a breach today? Do you have backups and safeguards in place to ensure your business can continue to move forward, or would you be forced to close your doors, potentially forever?
If you can’t answer these questions, now is the time to invest in a network security assessment.
The Purpose of the Network Security Assessment
The assessment is designed to help ensure your sensitive data, devices, and the network is secure and safe from any unauthorized access. This is done by finding any loose ends or unsecured gateways that may result in outside or internal attacks.
For some industries, there may be a regulatory responsibility to conduct these. This includes health care organizations, credit card processors, and more.
Are you still wondering what exactly a network security assessment looks for and how it is beneficial? If so, there are several answers:
- Running through potential attacks
- Penetration testing
- Network defense evaluation
- Possible impact on certain assets
- What records are vulnerable
- Steps you can take to mitigate an attack
Types of Network Security Assessments
When you are ready to invest in a network security assessment, you will find there are two basic options.
1. The Vulnerability Assessment
This assessment lets you find out where your most significant network weaknesses are and how a breach may impact your business.
2. The Penetration Test
A penetration test is similar to ethical hacking. During the penetration test, the professional service hired will conduct a social engineering attack, cyber-attack, whaling, spear phishing, or phishing attack.
How a Network Security Assessment Tests the Vulnerability of Your Network and IT Infrastructure
Vulnerabilities come in many forms. A vulnerability is anything that may be exploited in an otherwise secure network.
It is important to note that a cybersecurity risk can originate from both inside and outside your business or organization. For example, it could be due to an internal employee who doesn’t follow the proper security protocol. It may also be caused by a third-party vendor that doesn’t know about your information security policies.
Because risks are unique to each organization, the security risk assessment is comprehensive. Some of the testing areas that are focused on during the assessment include:
- Internal weaknesses
- Network scanning
- Review of the information security policy in place
- Third-party review
- Network enumeration
However, the assessment doesn’t stop there. It will also inspect the potential impact of other issues, including human error, system failure, natural disasters, and adversarial threats. When you know how and why your network and business is at risk, which is what this assessment tells you, it is possible to build a plan to mitigate and eliminate your risk.
Getting Help with Your Network Security Assessment
While it is possible to handle your network security assessment in-house, many company’s and organizations find it more affordable and beneficial to hire a third-party to help with this. By hiring an outside party handle this assessment, you get an unbiased view of the risks present.
Are you searching for Kansas City managed IT services? Contact The Purple Guys today for friendly, reliable support.