8+ SAMPLE Network Security Checklist

What Is a Network Security Checklist?

First of all, what is network security? Well, it is defined as the process of taking any kind of preventive measure, such as physical or in software form. with the purpose of protecting the network structure from all kinds of network security threats such as unauthorized access, improper disclosure, modifications, or even outright data destruction. As a result of network security, the end-users can perform their critical daily tasks with the confidence of doing so in a secure environment.

To put it simply, a network security checklist is a business document containing the list of items to be worked through whenever a workplace is undergoing a network security check or a network security audit. Having a checklist such as this one ensures that every item that needs to be checked during the audit is looked after and nothing of importance has been accidentally skipped. Having a network security checklist also greatly simplifies and streamlines the entire auditing process.

Things to Consider for Network Security Planning

Here are some pointers you can keep in mind when you do network security planning:

Examples of Network Security Mistakes

Here are some network security mistakes that you should keep in mind:

Improper Password Usage. Passwords are a very easy type of protection, but they are also one of the most overlooked. Unauthorized users are effectively encouraged to gain access to critical data by making passwords blank or easy (such as 123 or ABC). Passwords are much more effective when they comprise both letters and digits in an upper-case and lower-case mix, and they should be updated on a regular basis.Lack of Backups. One of the most serious security hazards is laziness. How does it relate? Well, it simply means that laziness will lead to a lot of things not being done well, such as keeping backups. It is far more difficult to entirely rebuild a damaged system than it is to set aside some time to make appropriate backups. Make backups often and do not overwrite them with the following round of backups. Additionally, create copies and store them off-site in case of an emergency.Lack of Encryption. When working with banks and credit cards, encryption is very vital. Storing and sending unencrypted data is the same as posting it for all to see. If you’re not sure about using technology that involves encryption, it is always recommended to seek the help of an IT professional.Delaying Patches. While zero-day exploits remain a persistent concern, they frequently overshadow recognized risks for which solutions are already available. Known exploits are simpler for malicious hackers to exploit, and neglecting to apply a security patch puts organizational data at risk. To counteract this, it is always advised to set up a consistent patching strategy or investigate what new fixes are available.Improper Structuring. It is always common knowledge by cyber security experts that it is not an issue of if, but of when a breach will occur. Therefore, it is always the responsibility of security teams to ensure that when assaults occur, the network is defensively structured. For example, if an attacker breaches a firewall, the attacker has unrestricted access to the whole network since the network is open once a person enters it. Implementing segmentation will limit an attacker’s mobility after they have gained access to the system. Segmentation serves to quarantine the attacker in a single area where it is no longer possible to inflict more damage to the system.Lack of Personnel. No matter how many precautions you put in place, and no matter how strong those precautions are, they will be rendered ineffective unless you have the personnel to supervise them. Maintaining a strong security staff is especially tough for small businesses. Using an outside security company might help cut expenses or provide assistance in the meantime while a dedicated security team is put together.

Important Items in a Network Security Checklist

Listed below are the essential items that need to be present when you’re making a network security checklist:

Firewall. Firewalls are vital because they monitor and manage network traffic, both incoming and outgoing, depending on security rules that you define. A firewall, in simple words, is some kind of a blocker that rests between your internal network and an external network, such as the internet.Software Patches. A software patch is a collection of modifications made to a computer program in order to update it, cure any vulnerabilities that are present in the system, or improve its functionality, usability, or performance. Patches, often known as bug fixes, are sent by the program developer. Software patch management is the process of implementing a strategy to guarantee that fixes are applied to systems in a planned and timely way.User Account Management. User account management is essential in a network security checklist since your users are most likely the weakest link in your network’s security chain. It is usually a preferable method to avoid cyber assaults than to cope with viruses, malware infestations, or ransomware. As a result of this, provide your users with the tools and training they need to stay current. Furthermore, include checks and balances in your procedures to reduce harm in the event of a cybersecurity attack.IT Policies. A comprehensive IT policy specifies your company’s plans for employee responsibilities, resources available to them, use cases, information security, IT security, and management. Employees are empowered and held accountable when policies are clearly stated. This should be used as a reference and guidance anytime there is a question regarding or concern about IT operations and management.Passwords. Hackers are prevented from accessing your system by using strong passwords. When you initially obtain a device or application program, make sure to change the default password to something strong in accordance with business regulations. To ensure that everyone is on the same page, make sure they understand what a strong password looks like and urge them to follow your company’s password policy and use two-factor authentication on their work devices.Anti-Phishing Measures. In very simple terms, phishing involves the use of misleading messages to trick unsuspecting recipients. Text-based communication methods, such as emails and SMS, are often used for phishing and spoofing. It is highly suggested that you deploy new solutions with anti-phishing features to avoid falling victim to phishing and spoofing. This function will notify you if a link or the originator of an email appears questionable. You may also teach your personnel and conduct phishing simulations to raise their awareness and attentiveness while checking their inboxes.Methods to Prevent Data Loss. Systems involving data loss prevention safeguard your information by monitoring network traffic to ensure that your users do not breach the sensitive data policy you specify, such as moving it to an insecure network or creating an illegal copy. Data loss prevention systems also reduce the danger of inadvertent slip-ups by constantly monitoring, tracing, and documenting the whereabouts of your sensitive data.

How to Improve Network Security

The Internet has made our lives easier. However, it has also opened opportunities for hackers to make a mess of our lives. Here are the steps you can follow in improving your network security:

  • 1. Improve Employee Awareness

    This is the first method that you can employ in improving network security. Giving employees regular reminders and updates on how to protect themselves from potential attacks is an essential aspect of improving your network security. Holding regular staff training sessions or departmental meetings can prove to be a benefit whenever you include a portion on the potential of network breaches and procedures to avoid malware infection. An email reminder outlining security concerns and suggestions on a regular basis will also aid the employees in avoiding increasing network risk through irresponsible activities.

  • 2. Installing a Firewall

    This is another method of improving network security. A firewall helps protect your device by preventing outside parties from gaining access to sensitive information on your device. Having a firewall present on your home network will protect it from potential dangers. It will protect against unwanted access and prevent harmful communications. Most routers already include a built-in firewall. Some even include network security features such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) protection, web filtering, and access restrictions. After installation, be sure to enable your firewall, as it is of no use when it is just deactivated after installation. Users may forget this as some firewalls are turned off by default.

  • 3. Check for Software Vulnerabilities

    When performing network security audits, it is also important to check for any software vulnerabilities that may be present in the systems of your company. Almost every business now employs a number of software products from various providers. Some of these programs are compatible with both the workplace network and the Internet. As software upgrades and vulnerabilities are introduced, network administrators must keep an eye on them.

  • 4. Implement Security Tasks

    After checking for any software vulnerabilities, you can begin implementing security tasks. However, keep in mind that even if you have pre-planned security measures in place, you might still be a victim of a security attack. However, by adopting network monitoring software and evaluating the facts on a daily basis, you may detect or mitigate assaults before they become significant problems. You may also utilize the information to identify and close flaws in your network infrastructure.

  • 5. Consider Outsourcing

    Implementing security measures can be a simple or complicated task, and the size of your business has everything to do with it. Based on the scale of your company, you may not have the time or resources to install and maintain the essential procedures. If so, consider outsourcing to a third-party provider with network security expertise. They may devote themselves to the security of your company, freeing up your personnel to work on revenue-generating initiatives.

  • 6. Avoid Complacency

    After placing the appropriate network security measures in place, it is important that every employee knows about it and they should not feel complacent about it. One way to prevent complacency is to always document your network security policies and ensure that every employee abides by them. You will be able to make modifications to the document as needed if you examine it on a regular basis. As an added bonus, potential clients will understand that you are concerned about security – including their data.

FAQs

What is a cyberattack?

A cyberattack is defined as any type of attack that occurs mainly across a computer network or system, with the primary target of the attackers being a computer network, no matter how vulnerable or invulnerable it may seem to be. They may not be necessarily new, but however, they can come in new methods with the same old goals, which is to disable systems, steal their data, or totally compromise them. Examples of cyberattacks include ransomware, a denial-of-service attack, and phishing scams.

What is a network infrastructure?

Network infrastructure is defined as the various types of hardware and software resources of a complete network that enable network connectivity, communication, operations, and administration of a corporate network. Most businesses, such as IT setups include network infrastructure as part of their IT architecture. The whole network infrastructure is linked and may be utilized for internal, external, or both communications.

What is Data Loss Prevention Software?

DLP Software or Data Loss Prevention software refers to software and any other solutions that prevent data from being moved outside of your company network without sufficient authorization. It is a cybersecurity solution that aims to prevent breaches, data exfiltration, and data destruction from your organization’s database. You can identify and prevent data breaches through this software by monitoring the movement and usage of your data in transit, at rest, and in use.

As the network security checklist is completed during the audit, it is also important to remind the employees of your company about the impact of the network security threats that they frequently encounter. As they get familiarized with the threats, you should also train them on the methods that can be used to alleviate their impact or to totally prevent them from occurring in the first place. This is because trained employees have a greater chance of ensuring that all company data is protected. In this article, you can find different examples of a network security checklist so that you have a reference when you need to make one.