When an auditor is charged with the task of carrying out IT network audits, obtaining certain information is very important in order to ensure perfect security. The steps are usually sequential. If they are not carried out well, the consequences are often catastrophic.
First, its extent has to be established. In most cases, there is a diagram that indicates just how large and interconnected it actually is. However, they are not usually very accurate in several situations. This is because the business environment is a dynamic one, and the various changes that take place during the expansion process often lead to various changes to networks.
The next step is to find out what the main assets within the network are. This involves finding what the proper services, systems and assets are, and security them properly. If they are not well shielded, they remain vulnerable to attacks that could cripple the system. The important things to secure are mail servers, internal applications and ERPs.
Establishing the persons with access is also vital. Different parties in all networks have different access to different services. Customers and vendors have some level of access, employees have another level and administrators have their own. It is important to find the respective levels of access in order to point out where a security problem might arise from.
When studying the diagram, it is often indicated if there is any linkage to external networks. This should be treated separately for the sole reason that if there are any problems here, the potential for damage via this channel is larger than any security breach. For most networks, the internet is the primary external connection.
They also have to find out what the protection mechanisms are. All these add up to ensuring that IT network audits are effective. Security glitches often cost the business even millions of dollars, so no compromise can be taken.
First, its extent has to be established. In most cases, there is a diagram that indicates just how large and interconnected it actually is. However, they are not usually very accurate in several situations. This is because the business environment is a dynamic one, and the various changes that take place during the expansion process often lead to various changes to networks.
The next step is to find out what the main assets within the network are. This involves finding what the proper services, systems and assets are, and security them properly. If they are not well shielded, they remain vulnerable to attacks that could cripple the system. The important things to secure are mail servers, internal applications and ERPs.
Establishing the persons with access is also vital. Different parties in all networks have different access to different services. Customers and vendors have some level of access, employees have another level and administrators have their own. It is important to find the respective levels of access in order to point out where a security problem might arise from.
When studying the diagram, it is often indicated if there is any linkage to external networks. This should be treated separately for the sole reason that if there are any problems here, the potential for damage via this channel is larger than any security breach. For most networks, the internet is the primary external connection.
They also have to find out what the protection mechanisms are. All these add up to ensuring that IT network audits are effective. Security glitches often cost the business even millions of dollars, so no compromise can be taken.
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