Network Infrastructure Audit: The Guide
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IT is a bit like a car: as long as it drives, you don't ask yourself too many questions. But the day when the engine stops working on the highway, it's a panic. For your business, it's the same. Your network is the backbone of your business, and yet, we often tend to neglect it until a critical outage occurs.
This is where an essential approach comes in:network infrastructure audit. It is not only a question of checking if the cables are properly connected, but of carrying out a real ultrasound of your information system. This is the essential step to guarantee the safety, performance and sustainability of your business.
In this guide, we'll lift the hood to see why and how to sift through your IT, and how that perfectly complements a IT asset audit global for a serene management of your tech.
What is a network infrastructure audit?
Before we dive into the “why,” let's agree on the “what.” A network infrastructure audit is a complete and detailed assessment of all your network equipment (routers, switches, firewalls, Wi-Fi) and the way in which they communicate with each other.
The objective? Obtain a clear, precise and objective vision of the health status of your network infrastructure. It is a current state of affairs that reveals what is invisible to the naked eye: bottlenecks, obsolete configurations or back doors left open.
Definition and objectives of the network audit
Concretely, the audit aims to map your computer system to understand how information flows. Its purpose is to:
- Validate the architecture in place.
- Check the system security.
- Ensure that equipment is sized for your current and future needs.
- Preparing a installation new solutions (cloud migration, new offices, etc.).
The idea is not to change everything, but to know exactly what your business is based on to optimize infrastructure costs and avoid unpleasant surprises.
The different types of network audits
There is no single type of audit, but several approaches depending on your needs:
- The performance audit: We're looking for why “it's rowing.” Bandwidth, latency and equipment load are analyzed.
- The security audit: The aim is to find the security breaches before the pirates. We test the robustness of the network in the face of intrusions.
- The compliance audit: We check that your information system complies with legal (RGPD) or industrial standards.
- The architecture audit: The topology of the network is analyzed to see if it is logical, redundant, and resilient.
Why conduct an audit of your network infrastructure?
We often hear: “If it works, why touch it?”. It's a classic mistake. A network can “work” while being a safety sieve or operating at 50% of its capacity. Here's why you should consider a serious audit.
Identify security breaches and vulnerabilities
That is reason number 1. Cyber threats are evolving at breakneck speed. An unupdated device, a port opened by mistake, or a forgotten default password on a switch are all entry points for attacks.
The audit will scan your network to detect these vulnerabilities. It allows you to highlight the weaknesses of your data protection and to propose immediate corrections. It is the basis for strengthening the cybersecurity for your business and sleep soundly.
Optimize performance and availability
Are your employees complaining about slowness? Video conferencing cuts off all the time? The performance audit makes it possible to identify bottlenecks.
- Is it a saturated switch?
- A bad Wi-Fi setup?
- Faulty wiring?
By accurately identifying the source of problems, you can optimizing existing resources without necessarily buying expensive equipment. The aim is to ensure that IT works from optimal way to never slow down the business.
Ensure compliance with standards and regulations
Whether for the GDPR or specific ISO standards, businesses have legal obligations regarding data management and security. An audit makes it possible to verify the regulatory compliance of your infrastructure. It ensures that access is controlled, that logs are kept and that sensitive data is properly partitioned. It is also a guarantee of seriousness with respect to your customers and partners.
How does a network infrastructure audit work?
Don't panic, an audit is not a search! It is a structured, collaborative and caring process. Here's how it generally goes.
Key stages of the audit
To be effective, the carrying out an IT audit follows a precise methodology.
1. Planning and definition of the perimeter
It all starts with a scoping meeting. We define together what should be audited (the whole network? just the head office? only the Wi-Fi part?). We set the goals and make sure we have the necessary access. This is the stage where we prepare the ground so as not to disturb users.
2. Inventory and mapping of the existing
You can't audit what you don't know. The auditor will identify how Specify the computer park network: routers, firewalls, servers, Wi-Fi terminals. The network diagram is created or updated. It is often an opportunity to discover “black boxes” that no one had noticed for years.
3. Technical analysis and tests
It is the heart of the reactor. Using probes and specialized software, the expert will analyze traffic, test the resistance of equipment, simulate loads or attempt intrusions (Pentest). We check the firmware versions, the filtering rules and the configuration of the VLANs.
4. Detailed report and recommendations
Once the data is collected, the auditor writes a detailed report with recommendations. This document should not be technical gibberish. It must present the findings (strengths/weaknesses), the associated risks and especially a action plan prioritized.
The tools and methods used
Auditors use a variety of tools to “listen” to your network:
- Vulnerability scanners to detect known faults.
- Protocol analyzers (Wireshark type) to see what's going through the pipes.
- Mapping tools to draw the network topology automatically.
- Interviews with your teams, because humans remain a key component of the system.
Return on investment and avoided costs
The cost of an audit is often paltry compared to the costs it helps to avoid.
- Reduced operational costs: By identifying useless or energy-consuming equipment.
- Avoidance of operating losses: How much does a day without a network cost you?
- Sustainability of the information system: By anticipating the replacement of equipment before the failure, you smooth out your investments.
An audit allows the Setting up a plan smart investment rather than incurring emergency expenses.
Calling on a professional for your network audit: how to choose?
You can try to do a self-diagnosis, but nothing can replace the neutral and expert eye of an external provider. You still have to choose it carefully.
Criteria for choosing an audit provider
To choose the right partner for your business computing, check these points:
- Technical expertise: Do they have certifications (Cisco, Fortinet, etc.)?
- Pedagogy: Are they able to explain problems to you without incomprehensible jargon? The detailed report will it be usable by your management?
- Independence: The listener doesn't have to be there just to sell you equipment behind the scenes. His advice should be objective.
- The global approach: Are they able to see beyond the RJ45 cable and understand your business challenges and your computer processes ?
Chez Rzilient, we approach the audit with pragmatism: no blah blah, concrete solutions and a vision oriented to your growth.
Network infrastructure audit frequently asked questions
Is a network audit mandatory for all businesses?
Legally, no (except for very specific sectors). But operationally, it's vital. As soon as your business depends on the Internet and its servers to function, auditing becomes a management necessity, not an option. It is the basis of the governance of information systems.
How often should a network audit be carried out?
The ideal is to carry out a complete audit Once a year. However, it is crucial to do one during major changes: move, merger-acquisition, change of IT provider, or after a security incident. IT evolves quickly, so your audit must keep pace.
Does a network audit impact my activity while it is being carried out?
If properly prepared, the impact is minimal or even zero. The observation phase is passive. Intrusive tests or tests that require restarting equipment are planned outside of production hours (in the evening or at the weekend). You continue to work while we check the network.
How long does a network infrastructure audit take?
It all depends on the size of your computer park. For a VSE/SME, this can take 2 to 5 days (analysis + report writing). For complex multi-site infrastructures, this can take several weeks. But don't worry, the on-site presence phase is generally short.
Do you want to know if your network is ready to support your growth?Don't let doubt set in. Let's discuss your infrastructure together and see how a quick audit can secure your business and boost your performance.
