Businesses are often blindsided when hit with a cyberattack or breach. If unprepared for such an attack, they may not know what networks were breached or what assets were compromised. Many organizations do not realize the immense impact of a security breach until they experience one firsthand. Fortunately, businesses can minimize their risk of suffering a cyberattack by performing a network security assessment.
What Is A Network Security Assessment?
A network security assessment is essentially a business audit used to review a company’s network security measures. Undergoing a comprehensive network security assessment enables businesses to identify possible vulnerabilities in their systems and take stock of essential assets that may become compromised in the event of an attack.
Performing a network security assessment can also provide businesses with the data they need to establish enhanced security protocols and protect their most valuable assets. A network security assessment’s primary goal is to protect a company’s networks, data and devices from digital intruders.
Top Benefits of Network Security Assessments
Network security assessments can provide businesses with a wealth of benefits, such as understanding the potential implications of a cyber threat on the company and its infrastructure.
Network security assessments can help highlight areas in which a business is technologically vulnerable and requires a higher level of protection. Ideally, network security assessments should be performed regularly to maintain up-to-date data on any security issues the company may be experiencing. Some of the top benefits of network security assessments include the following:
Identifies Network Vulnerabilities
The main goal of a network security assessment is to identify potential vulnerabilities within a business’s network. These could be external threats, such as run-of-the-mill hackers looking to steal confidential or financial information, or it could be internal threats, such as inexperienced or rogue employees.
Using the information gathered from a network security assessment, an organization is able to make more informed decisions regarding their network security protocols. They can also use this information to help increase their online security level and reduce known vulnerabilities by creating robust internal controls, building off-site data backups or keeping systems updated.
Reviews Current Security Controls
Network security assessments can be used to review current security controls to minimize risks and improve frameworks. Using information gathered from an assessment, a business can develop a plan of action to implement new strategies for reducing the organization’s threat level while remaining in compliance with all state and federal regulations.
Reviewing security controls involves going over each detail of the business’s existing security posture and assessing the level of protection offered by the current information security controls. It is also essential to review the business’s compliance requirements to ensure that compliance is continually met going forward.
Prevents Further Data Loss
Data loss prevention is a top priority for most businesses, especially organizations that store large amounts of confidential customer information. Sensitive data can reside in a wide range of computing devices, such as virtual servers, physical servers, point-of-sale devices, file servers, databases, PCs, flash drives and mobile devices.
Due to the number of devices used to store and share data, minimizing data loss is critical for a business’s long-term success. A network security assessment can help prevent further data loss from occurring by determining what security controls are working, which are not and what controls are needed to address newly identified risks.
Who Should Consider Network Security Assessments?
There are several types of network security assessments that businesses can perform to determine their network’s security level. One of the most important is a risk assessment that can help a business identify what data and assets they risk losing in a cyber-attack event. Penetration testing is used to test security measures and understand the severity of the risk of identified vulnerabilities. Other types of network security assessments include compliance assessment and vulnerability assessment.
These are both important components of a comprehensive assessment.
Today, nearly every business relies on its network to aid in everyday business operations. Technology is continually adapting, which puts almost all organizations at risk for potential cyber threats. By conducting the different types of network security assessments mentioned above, businesses can help prevent costly attacks. Companies of all sizes and in all industries can benefit from network security assessments.
Reach Out To An Experienced IT Service Provider About The Benefits Of Network Security Assessments
Data breaches can result in lost money, corrupted data and a damaged reputation. It is important to protect an organization against these serious and common threats that impact every business type. For more information about the benefits of network security assessments or to speak with an experienced IT service provider, contact the experts at SeaGlass Technology.