You’ve probably heard the phrase “network security audit” thrown around, mainly if you’ve spoken with an IT provider or considered managed services. But what does a network security audit include? And more importantly, do you need one?
If you're like most small or mid-sized business owners, you want to stay secure without being overwhelmed by technical jargon or unnecessary services.
This article will break down, in plain terms, what’s involved in a network security audit, what it reveals, and how to decide if your business should schedule one.
Spoiler alert: If you haven’t had one in the last 12 months, you’re probably overdue.
Why Network Security Audits Matter for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses
Cybersecurity isn’t just a concern for large corporations. Small businesses are now prime targets for cybercriminals because they often have weaker defenses.
According to Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report, over 40% of cyberattacks target small businesses.
Many of these businesses assume their antivirus software or firewall is “good enough,” until something goes wrong. Unfortunately, it often takes a ransomware attack, a data breach, or unexpected downtime for them to realize they weren’t as protected as they thought they were.
A network security audit helps prevent that scenario. It shines a light on your current vulnerabilities and provides a clear plan to address them before something adverse occurs.
What Is a Network Security Audit?
Think of a network security audit like a checkup for your IT infrastructure. Just like a physical exam might catch high blood pressure before it becomes a heart attack, an audit identifies weaknesses in your network that could lead to significant problems if ignored.
Unlike routine monitoring, which addresses day-to-day issues, a security audit provides a comprehensive examination of your entire environment.
It’s designed to uncover systemic risks, misconfigurations, and overlooked gaps that hackers love to exploit.
Audits are typically performed:
- Annually (as a best practice)
- After significant changes (like moving offices or migrating systems)
- After a security incident
- As part of regulatory or compliance requirements
The results can be eye-opening—even for businesses that feel “secure enough.”
What’s Included in a Typical Network Security Audit?
Every provider does things a little differently, but a comprehensive network security audit should include the following core components:
Asset Inventory and Mapping
First, your provider will assess all devices connected to your network, including servers, desktops, laptops, printers, mobile devices, routers, and more. If you don’t know what you have, you can’t secure it.
Firewall and Intrusion Detection Review
Your firewall is your first line of defense. The audit will check that it’s properly configured and working as intended. They’ll also look for intrusion detection and prevention systems and evaluate how well they monitor incoming traffic.
Access Control and User Permissions
Who has access to what, and do they need it? This part of the audit reviews user roles, shared folders, admin privileges, and password policies to ensure that you’re not unintentionally leaving sensitive information vulnerable.
Vulnerability Scans and Patch Management
Outdated software is a hacker’s playground. Your auditor will scan for known vulnerabilities and verify that your systems are being regularly patched. It’s not just about having antivirus software—it’s about keeping every tool and operating system up to date.
Backup and Disaster Recovery Evaluation
If a breach or ransomware attack happens, how fast can you recover? The audit will assess your backup strategy, frequency, encryption, and test the restorability of your data to ensure it is retrievable.
Endpoint Protection
Each laptop, desktop, and mobile device represents a potential entry point for attackers. Audits verify the status of antivirus programs, endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools, and mobile device management (MDM) solutions to ensure that end-user devices are adequately protected.
Network Traffic Monitoring
Some audits include traffic analysis to detect unusual activity. Is there unexpected data moving to external IPs? Are devices “talking” to servers they shouldn’t? These signs can indicate malware or misconfiguration.
Compliance and Documentation Review
If your business operates in a regulated industry—such as healthcare, finance, or law—compliance is crucial. The audit will compare your practices to requirements like HIPAA, CMMC, PCI-DSS, or your internal policies. Gaps will be flagged so you can address them before an auditor or regulator does.
Related Article: Why IT Audits in Healthcare Are Like Watering a New Tree: Essential for Growth and Safety.
What You Get After a Network Security Audit
Once the audit is complete, your provider should deliver:
A Risk Report
This outlines the vulnerabilities found, their severity, and the potential impact if exploited. It should be presented in a way that’s understandable—even if you’re not tech-savvy.
A Prioritized Action Plan
This breaks down what to fix first. Not all issues are equally urgent, and a good audit helps you focus on what matters most—whether that’s closing a remote access hole, tightening admin permissions, or replacing aging equipment.
Optional Security Score or Grade
Some providers assign a score or grade to help you benchmark your overall security health. This makes it easier to track progress over time and communicate risk levels to stakeholders.
Do You Need a Network Security Audit?
Here’s a simple test. If you answer “no” or “not sure” to any of the following, you probably need an audit:
- Do you have an up-to-date list of all devices on your network?
- Are all your systems and software up to date and regularly patched?
- Do you enforce multi-factor authentication for users?
- Have you tested your data backups in the last 6 months?
- Are you confident your network would pass a compliance inspection?
Many businesses benefit from having an annual audit—even if they have ongoing managed IT support—just to get a fresh, structured look at their network’s health.
Industries that require regulatory compliance, such as healthcare, education, legal, or finance, often must conduct regular audits.
But even unregulated businesses can suffer severe damage from preventable attacks.
What to Look for in a Security Audit Provider
Not all audits are created equal. Before signing on with a provider, ask:
- Do you specialize in cybersecurity or just general IT?
- Will you help implement the changes you recommend?
- What certifications does your team hold (e.g., Security+, CISSP, CISA)?
- Do you understand local/state compliance laws (especially in Nevada or California)?
Also, look for providers who don’t just point out problems, but help you fix them. Reporting without remediation leaves you holding the bag.
AIS, for example, doesn’t just conduct network audits—we help you make sense of the results, prioritize next steps, and take action. Because knowing what’s broken isn’t helpful unless you know how to fix it.
Final Thoughts: Network Security Audits
A network security audit isn’t just a technical exercise; it’s a crucial tool for protecting your business. It gives you clarity, reveals vulnerabilities, and helps you plan for the future. It’s not about pointing fingers; it’s about taking control.
If you’ve never had a professional audit (or it’s been over a year), consider scheduling one.
Whether you’re looking to reduce risk, meet compliance requirements, or just sleep better at night, an audit is one of the smartest investments you can make.
To learn more about choosing the right provider, check out How to Choose the Right Managed IT Provider for Your Business.
And for insight on setting expectations, read What Should Be Included in a Managed IT Services SLA?.
If you’re ready to take the first step, AIS offers detailed, no-pressure security audits tailored to your specific business needs. Contact us today to see where you stand—and how to strengthen your defenses.
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