Similar to a periodic audit of your accounting, it's critical to conduct a periodic evaluation of your computer network assets. After all, this is the underpinning of your business operations, which if ultimately failed would cause an incalculable amount of damage.

What if all your customer and accounting files were suddenly gone forever due to a disgruntled employee, outside hacker, accidental data deletion, software corruption, or random hardware failure? Most customers say they would be out of business. Why take the chance?

The Network Audit is designed to give you a complete up to date evaluation of your network's health so you can make an informed decision about what action needs to be taken. The comprehensive audit examines a vast array of potential security holes for the entire network infrastructure including the following areas.

Overall Network:

• Create an inventory of detailed network and computer information (includes a Visio Network Map)
• Check to make sure that the network cable is to current standard and code for maximum reliability and performance
• Look for common wiring problems (kinked wires, poorly crimped wires, etc...)
• Evaluate the networking hardware equipment (hubs, switches, routers, firewalls) and make appropriate recommendations for enhanced speed and security.
• Perform Internet connection tests to measure bandwidth and match it against guaranteed speeds
• Verify that all router passwords are secure
• Look for common security risks (ineffective passwords, no employee password policy, weak permissions, etc...)
• External Audit to scan for security vulnerabilities accessible remotely

Client Machines (Workstations):

• Complete inventory of all hardware and major software being ran
  Verify that the processor is fast enough to handle the OS and applications that it runs
• Look for wasted space on the hard drive and verify that the size is adequate
• Verify that the RAM is sufficient for applications being ran
• Check the power protection of the machine and make sure that it is adequate
• Look for device conflicts
• Check the current status of OS updates and service packs
  Verify that important information is being backed up properly
• Make sure that there is up to date anti-virus protection and that it's configured properly
• Make sure that there is no present spyware and that protection is installed.
• Verify that the machine is connected to the network at its maximum speed
• On wireless machines, make sure that the wireless is set up properly and securely
• Make sure that local files are secure on the network

Server Machines:

• Same as Client plus the following:
• Check actual backup cycle and backup logs
• Verify that the speed and type of the hard drives are adequate
• Assess redundancy in the hard drives and power supplies