Just like maintenance is critical for building infrastructure, periodic network security audits are essential for strong cybersecurity defenses. The stakes are real: In 2023 alone, there were over 3,200 data breaches in healthcare, professional services, and other industries. Is your business prepared for a cyberattack? A network security checklist can help you make sure.
The Essential Network Security Checklist for Enterprise Organizations
Comprehensive network security audits look at your devices, settings, system management habits, infrastructure capabilities, and employee habits. Carefully review the following areas.
Implement Access Control and Segmentation
Disable file sharing and enable multiple access control measures such as password sign-ins, multi-factor authentication, limited access, and temporary permissions. Prepare for breaches by implementing network segmentation. That way, if hackers steal credentials, they can only access the data individual employees can see, not the whole network.
Use Zero-Trust Architecture
Stop using “trusted device” settings for any sensitive information. Require all remote endpoint users (including executives) to sign in for network access.
A zero-trust mindset extends to third-party software vendors. Don’t assume SaaS platforms are secure. Verify security compliance, reputation, and certifications.
Discuss Data Encryption Solutions With IT Professionals
Wherever possible, encrypt sensitive data. When regulations require a centralized, accessible database, work with IT professionals to design customized cloud storage solutions. At CIO Tech, we have extensive experience with network security audits for GDPR, HIPAA, NIST CSF, and other compliance frameworks.
Create and Enforce Rules for Internal Communications
Block phishing attacks by setting organizational rules for email, calls, and video communications. Prohibit employees from sending passwords via email, giving login credentials to coworkers, or sharing devices. Disable outgoing links in emails at the network level.
Evaluate IT Staff Capabilities for Software Patches and Security Updates
Make software patches a priority to avoid falling victim to zero-day exploits. Ensure your IT team is large enough to manage the complexity of patches. If you see any delays, work with a trustworthy third-party IT firm to fill the gaps immediately.
Follow-Up Network Security Training
Train employees in network security best practices, but don’t stop there. Set up penetration testing and simulated phishing attempts (without alerting employees) to see how your personnel responds.
Establish a Roadmap for Data Migration
Legacy equipment has a larger attack surface, so upgrading your hardware or transitioning to cloud-based data storage should be a priority. Plan the process with IT professionals to move your data smoothly and securely while maintaining network functionality.
Invest in Network Security Monitoring Services
Be proactive with network security monitoring. Track all employee logins, record suspicious login attempts, and take red flags seriously. React immediately to DDoS attacks.
Set up alerts for any attempts to modify administrator permissions, add new devices, or change network settings. State-of-the-art tools can help you detect in-progress hacking attempts or data breaches, allowing you to implement mitigation strategies ASAP.
Small Business Network Security Best Practices
Cybercriminals see small businesses as prime targets, not “little fish.” In fact, 40% of all cyberattacks focus on small businesses. Ransomware attacks and operational shutdowns are devastating for smaller companies. Following good network security habits is vital, but how?
Restrict Employee Access to Sensitive Data
Set up different access levels for your network, being especially careful with administrator privileges. Employees in accounting should only see financial documents, not customer contracts or business secrets. Entry-level employees should only have basic access to necessary tools.
Implement MFA
Strong passwords are good but not enough. Add another security layer, such as mobile authenticator codes or biometric (fingerprint or facial scan) passkeys.
Back Up Critical Information Daily
Minimize the impact of ransomware by keeping your most important business data backed up on an independent device (e.g., encrypted cloud storage or password-protected external drives). Schedule backups every day — more often if you handle a high volume of transactions.
Schedule a Professional Vulnerability Assessment
One of the most critical business network security practices is having an independent IT professional review your current setup. Vulnerability assessments help you correct problems before hackers exploit them.
Ask for Help With Firewall Settings
Properly configured firewalls block suspicious requests from outside your network, providing a strong barrier. Unfortunately, firewall settings can be confusing, especially when you need to know which exceptions are safe and which introduce dangerous vulnerabilities.
Having a friendly team like ours is helpful. We can answer your questions and put your mind at ease. We set up your firewall so it protects you but also supports your business software and collaboration tools.
What To Include in Network Security Audit Checklist
Maintaining healthy network security is an ongoing process. Refer to this simple network security checklist throughout the year:
- Inventory of digital assets: What proprietary information, customer data, payment card details, or organizational processes do we handle?
- Vulnerabilities and attack surfaces: Where are the weakest links in our organization’s communications, endpoints, and software?
- Cyberattacks: What are the most common (or most damaging) attacks in our industry: DDoS attacks, malware, ransomware, or data breaches?
- Scope of internal policies: Are our policies specific, comprehensive, and up to date with modern threats, or vague and outdated?
- Authentication and access control measures: How many layers of cybersecurity do our current policies provide? How easy are they to breach?
- Security patches: Is our IT team keeping up with all security patches and monitoring needs, or do they fall behind?
- Data storage: Does our current setup support robust cybersecurity, or is it necessary to make changes to on-prem/cloud-based capabilities for email hosting and data storage?
- Pen testing: When was the last time our organization scheduled a professional penetration test or network vulnerability audit?
- Breach management: What is our plan of action for reducing the financial and reputational impact of a data breach?
When evaluating your business’s network security, remember that the goal isn’t only to prevent cyberattacks but also to limit the consequences of a breach.
Customize Your Network Security Checklist
Following network security best practices is essential for businesses of every size, from e-commerce companies to manufacturers. Defend against cybersecurity threats by giving your network security checklist the time and attention it deserves.
Ready to strengthen your defenses? Let’s customize your network security together—get in touch today for a free consultation!
