| ssential to have a proper security audit to know the | | | | sure that it doesn't slow down the network. Therefore, |
| weaknesses in the security systems of the | | | | you have to ensure that it doesn't use excess |
| organization. This is handled by security auditors who | | | | computer resources which can make the work slow |
| collect and analyze the data gathered from security | | | | for the people working in the organization. |
| policies, hardware and software used in the | | | | * Limit the scope of the audit to cut down on |
| organization. This process helps in finding out different | | | | un-necessary expenses. |
| vulnerabilities in the network which is rectified by | | | | Several intial questions you should ask you’re |
| following the suggestions given by the auditors. This will | | | | the vendor bidding to do your audit include: |
| ultimately help in improving the network security of the | | | | * Are you an independent security auditor? |
| organization. This will also help in protecting the integrity, | | | | * How are your reports structured? |
| confidentiality and also the availability of information on | | | | * What is the skillset of your team and what are their |
| the Internet. | | | | bios? |
| It is surprising to know that even security audits can | | | | * Do you also sell products that may affect your |
| cause problems only when not performed properly. It is | | | | recommendations? |
| advisable not to perform security audits if you are not | | | | * How do yo price your services? |
| sure that it will benefit the organization. This can | | | | * What will be the result of your audit? |
| interrupt the routine work of the organization and can | | | | * What are some client references? |
| also become an expensive investment for the | | | | The organization has also to ensure that the security |
| organization. | | | | auditing software and the auditors are capable enough |
| Essential Points to Consider | | | | to handle the important data of the organization. These |
| There are a few points which need to be considered | | | | auditors have the whole responsibility to keep the data |
| while auditing the security of the organization so that | | | | secure and therefore should have sufficient |
| you can enjoy all the benefits of the network security | | | | experience to handle the job properly. Ask you auditor |
| audit. The points are as follows: | | | | if they protect your data that they store on their |
| * Make sure that the security audit of your network | | | | laptops with PGP Encruption. The reason for taking |
| does not interrupt the daily routine work. If there are | | | | such preventive measures is because some auditors |
| chances that it will affect the production, then you can | | | | with poorly designed security audit software can |
| at least plan in such a way to minimize it as much as | | | | create more access points for hackers than |
| possible such a doing it after hours. | | | | maintaining the system. The best way to check the |
| * It is also essential to ensure that the audit doesn't | | | | performance is to read their company reviews or |
| come in the way of any personnel working in the | | | | asking for some references which can guide you to |
| organization. | | | | make the right decision for your organization. After |
| * Identify the specific devices that need to be audited, | | | | considering all the points, you do not have to worry |
| testing devices out of scope can definitely cause | | | | about the security of your network and can work only |
| problems. | | | | on the weaknesses observed after the security audit |
| * While the security audit is going on and you have to | | | | to avoid problems in future. |
| install and run any computer auditing software, make | | | | |