Perform Network Security Audit using eAuditor

Performing a Network Security Audit using eAuditor ensures a structured evaluation of an organization’s network infrastructure, security controls, policies, and compliance. A Network Security Audit is a systematic assessment used to identify vulnerabilities, verify security measures, evaluate configuration standards, and ensure that network systems are protected against unauthorized access, cyber threats, and operational risks.

1. Purpose of Network Security Audit

The audit focuses on assessing network security controls, configurations, and operational procedures to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and systems.

It helps organizations to:

• Identify vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in network infrastructure
• Verify compliance with organizational policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements
• Evaluate firewall, router, switch, and server security settings
• Assess monitoring, logging, and incident response capabilities
• Document findings for management review and continuous improvement
• Support risk mitigation and proactive cybersecurity strategies

Using eAuditor allows for structured inspections, real-time documentation, and audit-ready reporting.

2. Setting Up Network Security Audit Template in eAuditor

2.1 Audit Details

Record essential information:

• Organization name and network segment or location
• Date and time of audit
• Auditor or IT security officer name
• Scope of audit (servers, LAN/WAN, endpoints, firewalls)
• Type of audit (internal, external, routine, or post-incident)

This ensures accountability and traceable records.

3. Network Infrastructure Assessment

3.1 Physical Security

Verify that:

• Server rooms and network closets are secure and access-controlled
• Staff physically protect network devices from tampering.
• Environmental controls (temperature, humidity, ventilation) are maintained

3.2 Device Configuration

Check whether:

• Staff configure firewalls, switches, routers, and access points according to best practices.
• Staff change default passwords and enforce strong authentication.
• Firmware and software are up-to-date

4. Access Control & Authentication

4.1 User Access Management

Assess whether:

• Implementation of role-based access controls
• Staff review user accounts and disable inactive accounts.
• Staff monitor and log privileged accounts.

4.2 Authentication Mechanisms

Verify:

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is enforced where required
• Password policies comply with organizational standards
• Staff secure remote access through VPNs or equivalent controls.

5. Network Monitoring & Logging

5.1 Monitoring Tools

Confirm that:

• Security monitoring tools (IDS, IPS, SIEM) are active and operational
• Staff generate alerts and logs for suspicious activities.
• Staff regularly review network activity.

5.2 Logging & Retention

Check whether:

• Staff store logs securely and protect them from tampering.
• Critical events are retained according to compliance requirements
• Audit trails are complete and accessible for review

6. Firewall, Intrusion Detection & Prevention

6.1 Firewall Rules

Verify:

• Staff review and update firewall rules regularly.
• Only necessary ports and services are allowed
• Staff harden default configurations.

6.2 IDS/IPS Systems

Assess whether:

• Intrusion detection and prevention systems are configured correctly
• Staff monitor alerts and act on them promptly.
• Signatures and rulesets are regularly updated

7. Endpoint & Device Security

7.1 Workstations & Servers

Confirm that:

• Endpoints have updated antivirus and anti-malware solutions
• Patch management is performed regularly
• Unauthorized software is restricted

7.2 Mobile & Remote Devices

Verify:

• Mobile devices comply with security policies
• VPN or secure remote access is used
• Encryption and device management policies are enforced

8. Data Security & Encryption

8.1 Data Protection

Check that:

• Sensitive data is encrypted at rest and in transit
• Backup and recovery procedures are implemented and tested
• Data access is controlled and monitored

8.2 Privacy & Compliance

Verify:

• Data handling complies with GDPR, HIPAA, or other applicable regulations
• Staff secure personal and confidential information.
• Staff document data breach response plans.

9. Incident Response & Recovery

9.1 Preparedness

Assess whether:

• Staff create and test network incident response plans.
• Personnel have clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
• Staff document procedures for containment, mitigation, and recovery.

9.2 Recovery Procedures

Confirm that:

• Backup systems are functional and tested
• Staff restore network and critical systems securely.
• Personnel apply lessons learned from incidents to prevent recurrence.

10. Staff Awareness & Training

10.1 Security Training

Verify whether staff:

• Staff receive training in identifying phishing, malware, and social engineering attacks.
• Follow password policies and reporting procedures
• Participate in cybersecurity drills and refresher courses

10.2 Accountability

Check that:

• Staff have clearly defined roles in network security.
• Personnel monitor compliance and adherence to policies.
• Staff address non-compliance promptly.

11. Documentation & Record Keeping

11.1 Audit Logs

Ensure that:

• All audit observations, vulnerabilities, and corrective actions are documented in eAuditor
• Evidence (screenshots, logs, configuration files) is captured
• Staff track non-conformances.

11.2 Audit Trail

eAuditor allows:

• Assignment of corrective actions with owners and deadlines
• Upload of supporting documentation
• Historical analysis for trend evaluation and continuous improvement

12. Non-Conformances & Corrective Actions

12.1 Identifying Issues

Document:

• Network misconfigurations or vulnerabilities
• Weak access control or authentication gaps
• Inadequate monitoring or logging practices

12.2 Follow-Up Actions

Assign corrective actions in eAuditor for:

• System reconfiguration or patching
• Policy updates or enhanced access controls
• Staff retraining
• Reassessment to confirm closure

eAuditor ensures accountability, evidence collection, and verification of corrective measures.

13. Reporting, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

13.1 Automated Reporting

Generate reports for:

• IT management and security teams
• Regulatory compliance audits
• Risk and governance committees

13.2 Continuous Improvement

Use audit results to:

• Strengthen network security posture
• Enhance monitoring, access control, and incident response
• Reduce vulnerability exposure and operational risk
• Maintain compliance and proactive cybersecurity management

Summary

The Network Security Audit using eAuditor provides a structured approach to evaluate network infrastructure, device security, access controls, monitoring, data protection, and incident response. By systematically assessing vulnerabilities, policy adherence, and staff readiness, organizations can enhance network security, reduce risks, ensure compliance, and maintain a resilient IT environment.