The IT infrastructure is a very important aspect of many businesses. However, the IT system is often forgotten about until a problem arises. By that point, the issue will likely be severe and could interrupt your business operations while putting the security of the IT infrastructure in jeopardy. It is important for businesses to find an immediate solution for situations like this. However, businesses can prevent major issues with their IT infrastructure by assessing their system and addressing vulnerabilities, as a network assessment can help identify these issues early on.
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Many businesses may not have a clear understanding of the overall state of their IT infrastructure or how they can improve their system to be more secure, efficient, and cost-effective. It is usually when a business expands or there is an issue with the system when they realize the importance of effectively monitoring and maintaining their IT infrastructure. Businesses can be proactive in preventing issues and identifying ways to improve their IT system by getting a network assessment from an IT professional.
Network assessments offered by IT companies are often brushed off as a sales pitch to businesses to sell them on IT services. But there is a lot of value to what an IT service provider may uncover with their network assessment. These types of assessments are common practice from IT companies before they begin providing services to assess the current condition of the IT infrastructure and identify opportunities for improvement. Whether you want IT services or not, having a network assessment done can greatly benefit your business and help you improve your IT infrastructure.
In this guide, we will discuss what network assessments are and how an assessment can ultimately benefit your business. If you want a network assessment done for your business, talk to a professional managed IT service provider like PSM Partners.
What is a Network Performance Assessment?
A network assessment is an audit of an IT system using a code that scans the entire network. The code will collect information about how the system and devices are managed and look for vulnerabilities and anything not in compliance with managed service provider’s (MSP) standards. The assessment essentially creates a blueprint for the system that can be used to identify areas to improve the efficiency of the IT infrastructure as well as vulnerabilities that need to be secured. Having a network assessment done will not interrupt your business activities in any way. The IT service provider will run the code through the system and the results will be provided to the business. The assessment report may include hundreds of metrics used to analyze the IT infrastructure. Below are the key metrics you should pay attention to in the report:
Risk score: The risk score is a metric that rates the overall security of the entire system.
Asset summaries: These summaries are assessments of each device connected to the network including details about their operating systems, applications, and security.
Vulnerability scan: This scan looks for vulnerabilities from outside the network including malicious software and insecure ports open on firewalls.
User access security: This is an assessment of the users within the network, including the number of users and the last time each user logged in. This can help identify unused accounts and weak passwords as well as unauthorized users.
Domain name system (DNS) security: This is an assessment of the security of domain name services to identify leaks and rogue servers.
Why Should I Get a Network Assessment?
A network assessment will show you the overall security and efficiency of your IT infrastructure which allows you to enhance its performance and secure vulnerabilities. By providing a comprehensive overview of the IT infrastructure, network assessments enable businesses to make informed and strategic business decisions. The following are the main benefits of IT network assessments:
General assessment of IT infrastructure: The overall picture created by a network assessment will give you insight into how your IT system is performing which will give you insight on the maintenance and upgrades needed to improve efficiency. You can also identify and address weaknesses and vulnerabilities.
Form IT strategies for improvement: The information provided by a network assessment will make it easier for you to create a plan to consolidate, automate, and simplify some aspects of your IT system and reduce bottlenecks hurting the performance of the system. You can also identify ways to make your IT system more cost-effective.
Improve security: Uncovering vulnerabilities within your system will help you implement a strategy to improve security and better protect your network from threats like data breaches, unauthorized users, and malware.
Reduce costs: A network assessment will show how much or how little certain assets within the system are used. This will help you save costs on assets that may not be necessary and make other changes that will improve the overall cost effectiveness of the IT system.
Network assessments provide peace of mind for businesses by presenting a clear picture of the performance and vulnerabilities of their IT infrastructure. IT professionals that provide network assessments help businesses understand the results with a non-technical explanation as well as the implications to their business. Businesses can then make informed decisions to improve their IT infrastructure, whether they implement the improvements in-house or choose to work with an IT service provider.
Preparing for a Network Assessment
Preparing for a network assessment is crucial to ensure that the process is smooth and effective. Here are some steps to help you prepare:
Gather Information: Start by collecting detailed information about your network infrastructure. This includes an inventory of all network devices, operating systems, and network components. Having this information at hand will provide a clear picture of your current setup and help identify areas that need attention.
Identify Goals: Determine the specific goals you want to achieve with the network assessment. Are you looking to identify network vulnerabilities, improve network performance, or optimize network resources? Clearly defined goals will guide the assessment process and ensure that it addresses your most pressing needs.
Choose a Network Assessment Tool: Select a network assessment tool that meets your needs. There are various options available, from free network assessment tools to more advanced paid solutions. Choose a tool that aligns with your goals and provides the necessary features to conduct a thorough assessment.
Schedule the Assessment: Plan the network assessment at a time that minimizes disruption to your business operations. Scheduling during off-peak hours or maintenance windows can help ensure that the assessment does not interfere with daily activities.
Prepare Your Team: Ensure that your IT team is ready to assist with the network assessment. They should be available to provide information, answer questions, and address any issues that arise during the process. A well-prepared team can help facilitate a smooth and efficient assessment.
Conducting a Network Assessment
Conducting a network assessment involves several key steps to thoroughly evaluate your IT infrastructure:
Network Analysis: Begin by analyzing network traffic, network components, and network communication. This step helps identify potential issues such as bottlenecks, inefficient routing, or outdated network devices that could be affecting performance.
Network Scanning: Use network scanning tools to identify all network devices, operating systems, and potential vulnerabilities. This step provides a comprehensive view of your network’s current state and highlights areas that may need attention.
Network Monitoring: Continuously monitor network performance, network traffic, and network resources. Monitoring helps identify patterns and trends that could indicate underlying issues, allowing you to address them proactively.
Network Assessment Report: Generate a detailed network assessment report that summarizes the findings. The report should include an overview of the network’s current state, identified vulnerabilities, and recommendations for improvement. This document serves as a roadmap for enhancing your network infrastructure.
Network Vulnerability Scanning: Conduct a thorough network vulnerability scan to identify potential security threats. This step is crucial for uncovering weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious actors, allowing you to take corrective action to secure your network.
Network Assessment Tools and Techniques
There are several network assessment tools and techniques available to help you evaluate and improve your IT infrastructure:
Network Monitoring Tools: Tools like SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager and Obkio’s network performance monitoring solution are essential for tracking network performance and identifying issues in real-time. These tools provide insights into network traffic, device status, and overall network health.
Network Scanning Tools: Tools such as Nmap and OpenVAS are widely used for network scanning. They help identify all devices connected to the network, their operating systems, and any potential vulnerabilities. These tools are crucial for maintaining an up-to-date inventory of network components.
Network Vulnerability Scanning Tools: Tools like Nessus and Qualys are designed to identify security vulnerabilities within your network. They scan for weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers, providing detailed reports and recommendations for remediation.
Network Analysis Tools: Tools such as Wireshark and Tcpdump are used for in-depth network analysis. They capture and analyze network traffic, helping you understand how data flows through your network and identify any anomalies or inefficiencies.
Network Assessment Software: Comprehensive software solutions like Network Configuration Manager and Obkio’s network performance monitoring solution offer a range of features for conducting thorough network assessments. These tools combine monitoring, scanning, and analysis capabilities to provide a holistic view of your network’s performance and security.
Post-Assessment: Improving Network Performance
After conducting a network assessment, it’s essential to take action to improve network performance. Here are some steps to help you enhance your network:
Implement Recommendations: Start by implementing the recommendations provided in the network assessment report. These recommendations are tailored to address the specific issues identified during the assessment and can significantly improve your network’s performance and security.
Optimize Network Resources: Look for ways to optimize network resources, such as bandwidth and network devices. This may involve reallocating resources, upgrading hardware, or adjusting network configurations to ensure efficient use of available resources.
Improve Network Security: Address any potential security threats and vulnerabilities identified during the assessment. This could include updating software, patching vulnerabilities, and implementing stronger security protocols to protect your network from threats.
Monitor Network Performance: Continuously monitor network performance to identify potential issues before they become major problems. Regular monitoring helps maintain optimal performance and allows for timely intervention when needed.
Regular Network Assessments: Conduct regular network assessments to ensure that your network is running smoothly and efficiently. Regular assessments help you stay ahead of potential issues and keep your network infrastructure in top condition.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your network remains secure, efficient, and capable of supporting your business operations effectively.
Network Assessments and Managed IT Services from PSM
Calling a professional for a network assessment is a great way for businesses to gain a better understanding of their IT infrastructure and form a strategy to improve the efficiency of the system, reduce costs, and secure vulnerabilities. If businesses do not have the resources or expertise to take the next steps after an assessment themselves, an IT professional like PSM can help.
PSM provides a range of technology services including managed IT services and IT consulting. Our experts can assess your IT infrastructure to develop and implement a plan that aligns your IT strategy with your business goals.
You can call PSM at (312) 940-7830 or submit a contact form to get started with a network assessment.
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