What is Network Assessment?
Network Assessment- The word “network assessment” refers to a variety of things in the context of network devices. It could imply a review of such network equipment to determine which are outmoded. It could also refer to a network performance evaluation, a network architectural review, or a network device security evaluation (including security compliant configuration, bugs, vulnerabilities etc). The word network assessment can also refer to the network inventory, which is used to determine which network devices are connected to the network. The term “network assessment” can also refer to things like applications, servers, and operating systems.
WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF NETWORK ASSESSMENT?
Device Manager is an applet in your operating system’s Control Panel that allows you to examine and control all of the hardware connected to your system. Device Manager shows you any malfunctioning hardware and allows you to do things like enable/disable devices, supply device drivers, see various technical properties, and so on.
The preparation stage
The importance of proper preparation before to the actual network evaluation cannot be overstated, particularly because it saves time. For creating client expectations, preparation includes defining the scope of the assessment and determining the length of the assessment. This stage also necessitates things like enabling SNMP on network devices so that a network assessment can be performed, defining SNMP community strings (v1 and v2c) or username/password (v3) in accordance with the tools to be used, editing access rules on the computer that will be used to perform the assessment, and so on.
Performing the network evaluation
Various tools are required for network assessment; these tools fall into several categories.
- Inventory, analysis, and a network diagram are all part of the network inventory process.
- Evaluation of the network’s performance
- Assessment of security
- Reports and recommendations from the post-assessment
After the network assessment is completed, the data gathered must be evaluated. Post-assessment reports would be required based on this information; these reports would include recommendations, such as the replacement of old devices or other adjustments. There are a few tools that can assist in the creation of reports.
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Why Run A Network Assessment?
Simply described, a network evaluation is a comprehensive inventory of all network components. On your network, every workstation, server, Network switch, router, and programme has its own unique identification. The evaluation application detects these and creates a useful representation of your IT infrastructure. Network assessments can also be used to diagnose the network’s current state and operational status. IT administrators have access to a wealth of data about a certain workstation, server, or programme. Serial numbers, recent upgrades, IP addresses, user activity, memory, accessible storage, and much more are all included in this.
How Does A Network Assessment Work?
The evaluation programme gathers information about your network architecture and organises it into actionable comments. The information in the Network Assessment is divided into two categories: Network Overview and Security Status.
Overview of the Network
This diagram shows the devices and apps that are connected to your company’s IT network. It contains the following items:
- Operating Systems – A comprehensive list of every type of operating system currently in use on your network.
- What crucial updates are missing from which workstations and servers?
Anti-Spyware and Anti-Virus Software – Checks whether the network’s important security programmes are running. - Have there been any people that have been idle for more than 30 days?
- A network diagram is a visual representation of the hardware that makes up your network.
- Computer software – Are all of your software licences up to date? Is there any standard software missing from any workstations?
A summary as well as an exhaustive list of each data point are usually included in the assessment. If you’re a business owner who’s had a network assessment done, request that the provider go over the results with you. The results should be translated into concrete steps by a certified support provider.
Status of Security
A network assessment should also include information on the security status of your network. The evaluation detects typical security concerns and assigns them a priority level. Among these are the following:
- External Scans – Are there any ports on your network that are accessible to the public internet?
- Filtering of Email and Online Material – Does the network filter email and web content automatically?
- Account Lockouts – Incorrect password attempts should result in the account being locked out.
- Is it necessary for users to change their passwords? What are the criteria for your password?
- Dark Web Research – Have any of your company’s user credentials been exposed on the dark web?
- Rights Management – Users should only have access to the information they need to complete their tasks.
Results
Once a network assessment is completed, the documented data should be yours to keep. Work with service providers who can assure you that your personal information will not be shared with anybody else.
