According to the FBI, approximately 4,000 ransomware attacks are reported daily since January 1, 2016. Antimalware software is not enough to stop ransomware attacks. It is necessary to perform a network security assessment. What is a network security assessment?
Network security assessments focus on the security aspects of a network. This is an examination or audit of a network in order to identify its vulnerabilities or weaknesses. It is used to identify network components that require immediate security solutions.
It’s a method of identifying network components that present a security risk. The vulnerability scanner is similar to a network assessment tool.
In the next section, you will find out more about network security assessment. This section will explain the types and goals of network security assessments. A network security assessment can also be beneficial.
Definition
Data breaches occur when sensitive data is accessed by someone else. Network security assessments are designed to prevent this from ever happening. Network security assessments assess the network’s security configuration. This is done to ensure that the network meets security standards.
Goals
Each process has a goal or purpose. Network security assessments are no exception. These are the main goals of a network safety assessment:
- It will identify the security holes and entry points in your network.
- It can identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities in files, programs, and databases, among other things.
- It measures the effect of an attack both within and outside the company/organization.
- It measures the network security’s ability to detect and respond to attacks.
- It is a proof of support for the development of network security.
This can be viewed as a checklist for network security assessments to help you.
Types
Network assessment software allows for faster resolution of security problems. There are two types of network security assessments.
| 1. 1. | This is the traditional way to find vulnerabilities and bugs in a network. This method checks for weaknesses in both the network’s internal and external parts.
This shows you the potential security threats. These areas can also be shown with possible solutions. |
| 2. Pen test or penetration testing | Pen testing simulates cyber attacks on a network. You must also think and act like a black hat hacker to defeat them.
This will reveal the strength of a network’s overall structure. This is done by pen testers, ethical hackers, or white hat hackers. |
Benefits
Businesses and organizations need to conduct a network security assessment. Everyone who has a network, or is part thereof, is at risk. Network security should be a top priority. It is essential to discover the weaknesses in a network before anyone else.
What does a network security assessment entail? And what are the benefits to you? This question can only be answered if you understand the benefits of conducting network security assessments. These are the main benefits:
Benefit #1
It can identify the network components that require protection. It will tell you which software or programs need to be updated or configured properly. It is important to update or patch software. Patches contain fixes for known vulnerabilities and bugs. Software updates or upgrades are also included in a patch. The process of patching varies from one operating system and another. To help you, you can also use patch management software.
Benefit #2
Network security assessments look for data breaches. This will inform you in advance if anyone is trying to compromise your network or system. Administrators can conduct deep scans of client networks. This also applies to servers and endpoints. Endpoint devices are smartphones, tablets, laptops and smartphones that have a network connection.
Benefit #3
This helps you keep up to date with the latest security threats. It is important to be knowledgeable and aware of cybersecurity. Security can be improved by attending awareness seminars and holding meetings. An educated mind is the best defense against security threats.
Benefit #4
This shows clients that you care about their security. This shows that you care about protecting their sensitive data. This creates trust and improves customer satisfaction. Happy customers are a sign that your business is growing and prospering.
Conclusion
You now know what network security assessment is. You are now familiar with its types and goals. Now you are aware of the many benefits of network security assessments. Click here to find out more.