Your business network is constantly changing, and regular network assessments are one of the best ways to ensure your IT infrastructure remains secure, efficient, and capable of supporting mission-critical operations now and in the future.
Let’s learn more about network assessments and why your organization should request one from an experienced managed IT service provider.
What is a Network Assessment?
A network assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of an organization's existing IT infrastructure, including a thorough review of the following:
- Hardware
- Software
- Security protocols
- Network design and performance
A comprehensive evaluation will identify performance bottlenecks, security risks, and other issues impacting overall network efficiency. Once completed, businesses will receive data-driven recommendations for resolving any weaknesses or inefficiencies in the network. The evaluation also helps organizations plan for future growth and make informed decisions about future investments in technology.
4 Reasons to Request a Network Assessment
Requesting an evaluation is not a one-time thing. While your industry will determine the frequency, it’s recommended to request a network assessment from an experienced managed IT service provider at least once per year.
Here are four reasons why businesses should consider requesting a network assessment.
1. Bolster Security
Network assessments identify security risks such as weak passwords, outdated software, or unpatched systems that could put your business at risk for cyberattacks. An assessment will also identify misconfigurations that could lead to data breaches.
Vulnerability scans are conducted as part of the assessment to reveal any potential weak points in the system and offer recommendations for resolving them, such as upgrading outdated firewalls and antivirus software.
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2. Improve Network Performance
An in-depth analysis of your existing IT infrastructure will reveal network performance issues, such as latency, throughput, or dropped packets, that could impact service delivery and user experience. Network assessments also identify hardware or software inhibiting performance, such as outdated network devices or poorly configured DNS servers.
Network assessments accurately analyze usage patterns, network load, and traffic flow to help you plan for future expansion. The finalized report will help you determine which components of your business network need to be upgraded or replaced to support future capacity needs.
3. Identify Cost Saving Opportunities
Network assessments help organizations reduce IT costs by eliminating unnecessary hardware or software investments. An evaluation will also identify areas for further cost savings, such as cloud computing or outsourced services. Network assessments will reveal hidden performance issues and potential security risks that can be proactively addressed before they become a financial liability.
4. Ensure Regulatory Compliance
Organizations in regulated industries like finance and healthcare must adhere to strict compliance standards such as HIPAA and PCI DSS. Network assessments can help validate that your organization complies with relevant regulations and provide data-driven insights into how your IT infrastructure is configured. Network assessments can also identify systems or data that are not properly secured or encrypted.
Ready to Request a Network Assessment?
A network assessment is an essential tool that helps businesses of all sizes better prepare for future growth, comply with industry regulations, reduce costs, and identify security risks before they impact the bottom line.
Businesses should only request a network assessment from experienced managed IT providers. An objective, comprehensive assessment from SymQuest will uncover security vulnerabilities and reveal optimal solutions for strengthening your IT infrastructure.
