Network security is essential to any organization’s operations. Cyber-attacks can cause significant damage, including financial loss, loss of sensitive information, and damage to an organization’s reputation. Currently, small businesses suffer from 43% of all cyber security attacks, and only 14% of these businesses are well equipped to deal with such attacks.
Conducting a cyber network security assessment is a crucial step toward ensuring an organization’s network is secure. Read here to learn how to conduct a network security assessment in six easy steps.
What is a Network Security Assessment?
A network security assessment is a process that involves analyzing the security of your network infrastructure and identifying vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. The assessment is usually conducted by a team of cybersecurity experts who use various tools and techniques to evaluate the security of your network.
How to Conduct a Network Security Assessment
Conducting a security assessment is easier than it may seem. Many businesses can do it themselves or get help from professionally managed cybersecurity service providers.
Steps involved in Network Security Assessment
Step 1: Identify the Scope of the Assessment
Before conducting a cyber network security assessment, it is essential to identify the scope of the assessment. This involves identifying the systems and assets that will be assessed. It is also important to determine the objectives of the assessment, including the types of threats that the assessment will evaluate.
If you are unaware of identifying the scope, Managed IT services providers can help you assess and identify the systems to create a thorough action plan. This step is essential in devising a blueprint for the network assessment and implementing improvements in the network.
Step 2: Gather Information
Once the scope of the security assessment has been identified, the next step is to gather information about the systems and assets that will be assessed. This includes identifying the types of devices and software in use, as well as the security protocols that are in place.
Identifying potential vulnerabilities and threats that could impact the network’s security is also important. Once again, skilled cyber security service providers can help you with the step.
Step 3: Conduct Vulnerability Assessment
After gathering information about the network, the next step is to conduct a vulnerability assessment. This involves scanning the network for potential vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.
Vulnerability scanners can automate this process and generate a report of identified vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities can then be prioritized based on their severity and the likelihood of exploitation.
Step 4: Perform Penetration Testing
After identifying potential vulnerabilities, the next step in conducting a network security assessment is to perform penetration testing.
This involves an attempt to exploit the identified vulnerabilities to determine if they can be used to gain unauthorized access to the network.
Penetration testing can be performed using automated tools provided by Managed cyber security service providers.
Step 5: Analyze Results and Develop Recommendations
Once the vulnerability assessment and penetration testing are complete, the results must be analyzed to determine the network’s security posture. This analysis should identify any weaknesses and vulnerabilities discovered during the network security assessment. Based on this analysis, recommendations from managed IT services should be developed to improve the network’s security posture.
Step 6: Implement Recommendations
Finally, you should implement the recommendations that the managed IT service providers developed in the previous step. This may involve installing new security software or hardware, updating existing software, or changing network configurations. Once the recommendations have been implemented, the network should be reassessed to ensure that the changes have improved the network’s security posture.
The Importance of Conducting Network Security Assessments
Although many businesses may believe that conducting a cyber security assessment is not necessary, more than 60% of businesses in Canada have suffered from ransomware attacks. As such, below are several reasons why conducting a cyber network security assessment is important.
Identify Vulnerabilities
A cyber network security assessment helps to identify vulnerabilities in your network infrastructure that cybercriminals could exploit. This can include outdated software, weak passwords, or unsecured network devices. Once identified, these vulnerabilities can be addressed to ensure that your network is secure.
Protect Against Cyber Attacks
Cyberattacks can cause significant damage to your network infrastructure and result in the loss of sensitive data. By conducting a network security assessment, cyber security service providers can identify potential attack vectors and take steps to protect your network against these threats.
Compliance
Many small businesses have regulations and set standards that require organizations to ensure the security of their network infrastructure. Conducting a cyber network security assessment can help ensure your organization complies with these regulations.
Improve Overall Security Posture
A cyber network security assessment can provide insights into your organization’s overall security posture. By identifying vulnerabilities and addressing them, you can improve the overall security of your network and reduce the risk of a cyberattack.
For example, your Managed IT services providers can develop custom software that can include improved security features for your network. Moreover, they can include backup and recovery services to ensure all possible safety measures are in place.
Save Time and Money
Addressing vulnerabilities before they are exploited can save your organization time and money. A cyberattack can result in significant financial losses due to data loss, downtime, and legal fees. By conducting cyber network security, you can address vulnerabilities before they become a problem.
Contact the Best Managed IT Services Providers
Conducting a cyber network security assessment is crucial to ensuring that an organization’s network is secure. By following the steps outlined in this blog, organizations can identify potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses in their network and take steps to mitigate them. A cyber network security assessment should be conducted regularly to ensure the network remains secure as new threats emerge.
Microsys Inc provides the best managed cyber security services to help small businesses stay safe from cyber threats. Moreover, we can create custom software for every business type, helping you automate your business and keep it safe from outside and inside threats. Contact us today and create a better, securer network system.
