Most modern businesses – regardless of industry – depend on IT. That’s why you must make your network as secure as possible.
But what does network security necessarily entail? How can you tell when your network needs new updates? When is the right time to install the new software?
These are the questions that a network assessment by a trusted IT professional can answer. Read on about a network assessment and how it can help your business.
What Is a Network Assessment?
Think of a network assessment as an oil change for your network.
It thoroughly analyzes your business’s IT infrastructure, which includes:
- Management
- Performance
- Processes
- Security
A network assessment can identify many potential issues for your company and reveal any underused resources, security leaks, and other options for improvement. This information leads to better-informed decisions about how to keep your business information safe.
Why a Network Assessment Is Necessary
Some businesses look at network assessments as an option. In reality, it’s a necessity. Let’s look at some of the benefits that come with network assessment.
Identifying Areas of Improvement
In business, productivity is crucial. You want to eliminate as much guesswork as possible regarding your daily operations. It is hard to make those improvements if you don’t know what’s happening with your IT system.
A network assessment can identify what resources are working for your business. You can discover what tools are helping your business and what tools are being underutilized. These insights can make it easier for you to streamline different resources.
After a professional performs a network assessment, you will understand the important upgrades and maintenance your network needs.
Better Security Performance
The Federal Trade Commission claims that security leaks in a network lead to cyberattacks, and it offers several tips for increasing and maintaining cybersecurity. According to IT Governance, more than 528 “security incidents” have been reported thus far in 2023, resulting in more than 451,000,000 total “breached records.” Most of those occurred in the healthcare, education, and technology industries.
Vulnerabilities in a network can lead to:
- Data breaches
- Ransomware attacks
- Phishing
- Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks
- Spoofing
- Identity theft
PacketLabs reports that a business’ infrastructure is the target of a cybersecurity threat every 39 seconds, and the average cost of cyberattacks is around $137,000.
However, these cyberattacks can cause more than just financial damage to your business. Losing your clients’ trust will be hard to bounce back from. A network assessment can fix vulnerabilities in your IT infrastructure. It can also develop a security strategy to strengthen your network against these attacks.
Providing Opportunities for Growth
Every business owner is constantly looking for opportunities to expand their business. You may be thinking of introducing new software or upgrading your system. This is the perfect opportunity to have a network assessment performed. An assessment will show how that software or upgrade fits your network configuration.
Just like with cybersecurity, an assessment can help you implement a strategy for business growth. You can design a strategy that makes your system more productive and reduces the risks. This strategy can also help you stay on top of whatever upgrades your system needs in the future.
A Network Assessment Is Cost-Effective
A network assessment can help you cut down on the costs of your IT system. You may be spending additional money using outdated software and procedures. A network assessment can suggest more cost-effective strategies that can help you save money. Cloud-based data storage, for example, can help you reduce the amount of equipment your team uses.
Network assessments can also help you scale your business. You can use the insights from the assessment to determine the best way to maximize your resources. You can eliminate any resources that aren’t serving your business.
What to Expect from A Network Assessment
Every company that performs a network assessment is different.
However, the network assessment should provide:
- A defined description of the process. The assessment company should share what you should expect from the process. This includes how your IT professional will perform the assessment and what tools they will use.
- The network’s strengths and weaknesses. The assessment should include the strengths and weaknesses located in your network.
- Practical insights. The assessment should include practical information your business can use to improve your IT system. They can use this information to help you make important decisions.
Depending on the company that you work with, your network assessment should include an analysis of every piece of your IT system, from hardware to security systems.
When Does Your Business Need a Network Assessment?
Ideally, the best time to perform a network assessment is when you’re about to introduce a major change to your IT system.
These changes might include:
- Transitioning to a cloud-based option
- Introducing a new VoIP service
- Adding new devices to your network (laptop, printer, etc.)
Before implementing these changes, performing an assessment is in your best interest. Any problems or vulnerabilities can be examined and resolved before the planned roll-out.
You may need a network assessment if you did not update your software. Your network may need some updates to continue to perform.
Perform a network assessment at least once a year and whenever you encounter network issues.
Strengthening Your Business
When you schedule a network assessment for your business, you strengthen it in many ways.
Network assessments can help reveal issues you may not have known about your network. The more insights you have into your IT system, the better.
Even if you follow the recommended suggestions from your network assessment, it’s still in your best interest to have it performed routinely. That is why you want to be selective about the company that performs your network assessment. The right IT service provider can design a customized strategy for your computer network.
Schedule a Consultation with A Trusted IT Company Today
Now that you have a better understanding of network assessments, schedule one for your company.
Make the call to an experienced and trusted IT company before it is too late. An IT professional from the company you contact can perform a thorough assessment of your company’s network and make the proper recommendations for repairs or upgrades.
