All you need to know about a Network Security Assessment

An IT security specialist will perform a network security assessment to determine if there are any vulnerabilities or risks in an organization's computer infrastructure. A variety of scanning tools and common techniques is used to gather information about operating system, applications, and network devices in order to complete a thorough assessment. Without being detected, the security specialist responsible for the assessment conducts a planned attack on the organization to gain administrative control over servers and other devices.

Any IT security assessment's purpose is to identify vulnerabilities and determine an organization's overall security rating. Five ratings can be assigned to an organization's overall security position within the security rating matrix. High-risk ratings indicate serious vulnerabilities that can be exploited and major deficiencies in management, design, or implementation. Vulnerabilities with a low likelihood of being exploited and multiple defects in design, implementation, or management are classified as a medium-high risk rating. Moderate risk ratings expose vulnerabilities that have a low likelihood of being exploited, and at least one defect in design, implementation, or management. A high risk rating exposes vulnerabilities that are likely to be exploited and has minor defects in design, implementation, or management. Low risk ratings indicate that there were no vulnerabilities or defects in design, implementation, or management and that all patches were properly applied.

The assessment is focused on several key areas. I will briefly describe each of the 19 components.

The physical security review is focused on IT assets like server rooms, wire closets and communication rooms. Monitoring and management of network tools is what focuses on the management and monitoring required to keep a secure network. The IT security specialist must review firewall implementation and monitor for vulnerabilities Qnappanama   .

Authentication is concerned with the access control mechanisms that protect the network, such as passwords and usernames. An audit of the file system focuses on the structure and security of network shares.

Remote access to the corporate network must be reviewed along with virtual private networks (VPN) review. It is also important to review the security protocols and protocols used to allow communication on the network, such as the IP protocol that allows computers to communicate via the Internet. This component includes VLANs, routers, local area network switches and routers.

While host security is concerned with the server and workstation operating system, content inspection examines content controls and inspection mechanisms. This component includes URL blocking, ActiveX blocking and malicious code inspection.