Network Audit
Network auditing is a process in which your network is mapped both in terms of software and hardware. The process can be daunting if done manually, but luckily some tools can help automate a large part of the process. The administrator needs to know what machines and devices are connected to the network.
Network auditing works through a systematic process where a computer network is analyzed for:
- Security
- Implementation of control
- Availability
- Management
- Performance
The data is gathered, vulnerabilities and threats are identified, and a formal audit report is sent to network administrators.
It uses both manual and automated techniques to gather data and review network posture. It reviews:
- Each node of a network
- Network control and security processes
- Network monitoring processes
- Other data
Although a network audit may focus more on network control and security, it also reviews processes and measures that ensure network availability, performance and quality of service.