4 Reasons Why You Should Have Your Network Audited Right Now
Creating a successful and effective network audit policy can be one of the more difficult tasks facing any business. This is a time when your IT support team really comes into its own by assisting you devise an easy to implement plan that keeps your network in tiptop shape.
Even the word ‘audit’ is enough to make any business owner’s face turned pale. After all, it is easy to associate it with a visit from the tax office which is enough to make any heart skip a beat, but the fact is a network audit does not need to be as feared as the term makes it appear.
There is a fine line between an audit policy that covers every single issue and one which creates too much of a burden on staff and systems. You need to create a document which is easy to implement, which covers every important element of network security and allocates responsibilities in a way that does not overly tax your staff resources.
Nevertheless, regular audits can prevent security breaches and make your system not only more reliable but compliant with safe business practice.
If you think you can get away without auditing your system, here are some points you may wish to consider. After reading them you will know why regular audits are essential.
- When you transmit data across your system it will do so through a medium that can be tracked or intercepted. Any sensitive information could leak into the hands of unauthorised parties and present you with breach of privacy issues you can do without. After all no employer wants to be caught with breaches of Privacy Act.
- If your business is conducted over broad geographical areas, and your staff regularly travels in the course of their duties, any loss of information could be devastating to your business. Imagine the loss of sales that could result if, for example, you do not have a good backup policy in place.
- Imagine the devastation which can occur if your network is invaded by Trojans or viruses that are not caught before they spread. Once your network is down, your business ceases to operate and your cash flow grinds to a halt.
- In businesses where staff has access to sensitive data which might be of value to competitors, it may be difficult to locate the source of inappropriate activity. An audit of logon activity might reveal suspicious patterns of behaviour especially where access is attempted at unusual times of the day. Early detection of this activity can minimise losses and appropriate steps can be taken to deal with misuse of information.
With these points in mind it is easy to understand the value of regular audits, but more to the point, it is better to have protective mechanisms in place which can prevent problems from arising in the first place.
Compiling a comprehensive audit plan with assistance from your business IT support unit will place your business on a good footing for sound business management, data protection and preservation of sensitive business information.
