With cyber threats becoming a bigger concern in Australia, having a solid network security audit checklist is important for every business. Whether you run a small company or a large one, knowing how to check your network security helps you avoid expensive problems and stay compliant.
In this guide, you will get to know about everything how to conduct a network security audit that’s both comprehensive and practical. Also, you’ll get expert insights from the professionals at TECHOM Systems to help you keep your systems safe and secure.
What is a Network Security Audit?
A network security audit is like a thorough full evaluation for your IT systems. It helps you find any weak spots in your network and makes sure everything is secure and running as it should. The network security audit checklist looks at things like checking who has access to what, making sure your software is up to date, and ensuring that all your security settings are correct.
You might hear about penetration testing, which is a bit different. Penetration testing is when experts try to hack into your system to see if they can find and exploit any weaknesses. A network security audit, on the other hand, is more about looking at the big picture—like reviewing your network’s setup, checking internal policies, and making sure everything is locked down properly.
Regularly doing a network security audit program helps keep your business safe from cyber threats. It makes sure your systems are strong and protecting your important data from hackers.
Ensure your business is fully protected with a comprehensive Network Security Audit. Contact TECHOM Systems today and book a free consultation to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen your IT infrastructure.
Penetration Testing vs Network Security Audit
To help clarify the difference, here’s a quick comparison:
| Aspect | Penetration Testing | Network Security Audit |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Simulated attacks to test network defenses. | Broad review of infrastructure, policies, and controls. |
| Scope | Limited to identifying vulnerabilities via attack simulation. | Comprehensive check for vulnerabilities, configurations, and policy issues. |
| Primary Goal | Find weaknesses that hackers could exploit. | Identify gaps in security controls and compliance with regulations. |
| Tools Used | Automated tools to simulate attacks. | Manual and automated tools for detailed assessment. |
| Frequency | Usually done as a one-time test or during specific events. | Conducted regularly as part of an ongoing security program. |
This table provides a side-by-side comparison of penetration testing and a network security audit, helping your readers better understand the differences between the two and why both are essential for a secure IT environment.
Core Elements of a Network Security Audit Checklist
When you’re performing a network security audit, having a clear checklist is key to ensuring that you don’t miss anything important. Here’s a practical network security audit checklist you can follow to make sure your network is secure and compliant:
- Review user access and permissions – Who can access what on your network? Make sure only the right people have access to sensitive information.
- Audit firewall and router settings – Your firewall is a wall protecting you from threats. Check that it’s up-to-date and properly set up to block potential risks.
- Check antivirus and anti-malware software – Ensure all devices are protected against viruses and malware. Your antivirus software should be active and updated.
- Verify patch management and software updates – Old software can be a security risk. Make sure all your software is up to date with the latest fixes.
- Monitor network activity logs – Keep an eye on your network for any strange activity. Unusual behavior can be a sign of something going wrong.
- Evaluate data backup and disaster recovery plans – Are you ready if something goes wrong? Test your backup and recovery plans to make sure you can recover quickly.
- Audit cloud security settings – If you use cloud services, check your settings to make sure everything is secure, especially for remote workers.
- Check remote access controls – For people working from home or remotely, make sure they’re using secure methods like VPNs and multi-factor authentication.
By following this network security audit checklist, you’ll make sure your network is secure and safe from threats.
How to Build a Strong Network Security Audit Program
Creating a solid network security audit program isn’t something you do just once and forget. It’s an ongoing process that keeps your systems safe and your business protected. Here’s a simple way to get started and stay on track:
- Start with a baseline – Use the network security audit checklist we talked about earlier to see where your current security stands. This gives you a clear starting point.
- Document your findings – Write down everything you find. Keeping a proper record helps you track changes and improvements over time.
- Prioritize risks – Not all issues are equal. Fix the biggest threats first—the ones that could cause the most damage if left unchecked.
- Schedule regular audits – Don’t wait for a problem to happen. Set up audits every few months (quarterly or twice a year) to stay ahead of potential threats.
- Involve third-party experts – Sometimes, a fresh set of eyes can spot issues you might miss. Consider hiring professionals who offer IT audit consulting services or network security audit services to strengthen your audit process.
Your network security audit program should support your business goals and IT strategy. Also, it helps you stay ready for compliance checks and even cyber insurance requirements. Regular audits show that you take data protection seriously—and that matters a lot today.
Information Security Audit Checklist vs Network Security Audit Checklist
It’s easy to mix up an information security audit checklist with a network security audit checklist, especially when you’re just getting started. But the difference is quite simple:
- Information Security Audit: This takes a broad look at your entire organization’s security. It covers things like company policies, employee training, how data is accessed and stored, and whether you’re following legal requirements.
- Network Security Audit: This zooms in specifically on your network—your routers, firewalls, switches, servers, and how everything is configured and connected. It’s more technical and focused on infrastructure.
Most businesses in Australia need both types of audits for complete coverage, but starting with a network security audit checklist is usually the most urgent step—especially if you rely heavily on online operations or remote access.
Here’s a quick breakdown to show how these two checklists typically cover different areas:
📊 Coverage Comparison
| Area Covered | Info Security Audit | Network Security Audit |
|---|---|---|
| Data access & privacy policies | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not directly |
| Network device configuration | ❌ Not covered | ✅ Yes |
| Compliance with data laws | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not focus |
| Firewalls, routers, and switches | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Software patching & endpoint review | ✅ Sometimes | ✅ Yes |
| User permissions & access control | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
So, if you’re unsure where to begin, we recommend starting with a network security audit checklist and then building out from there using broader IT audit consulting services when you’re ready.
Why Choose TECHOM Systems for Network Security Audit Services
At TECHOM Systems, we understand that every business is different—especially when it comes to security. That’s why our network security audit services are specially designed for Australian businesses of all sizes. We don’t just run standard scans—we take the time to review your entire IT environment, identify real risks, and give you clear, easy-to-understand reports that help you act fast.
As part of our broader IT audit consulting services, we use trusted tools and proven methods to uncover hidden threats and strengthen your defenses. More importantly, we keep people at the center of everything—because real security starts with real understanding.
Already using Microsoft tools? Great! Our Microsoft 365 Security Audit Services are a smart first step. They help you lock down your Microsoft environment before diving deeper into a full network security audit checklist.
Free Guide For You: IT Audit Consulting Services
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should a network security audit report include?
A network security audit report should include:
- A summary of the audit scope and objectives
- Identified vulnerabilities and risks
- Review of firewall, router, and endpoint security
- Analysis of user access and permissions
- Compliance gaps
- Clear action items and recommendations for improvement
This helps your team know what to fix and where to focus next.
2. How to do a network security audit?
Here’s how to get started:
- Use a network security audit checklist to guide your review
- Review access controls, firewall settings, and software updates
- Check for unusual activity in logs
- Document issues and assign priorities
- Schedule follow-ups to track progress
Need help? TECHOM Systems provides professional network security audit services to make this process smooth and secure.
3. What is the checklist for security audit?
A good network security audit checklist includes:
- Access and permission reviews
- Firewall and router configuration checks
- Software and patch update status
- Endpoint protection review
- Cloud and remote access settings
- Backup and disaster recovery evaluation
4. What are the five audit checklists?
Here are five key checklists every business should have:
- Network Security Audit Checklist
- Information Security Audit Checklist
- Physical Security Checklist
- Compliance and Regulatory Checklist
- Incident Response Plan Checklist
Each one plays a role in building strong overall protection.
5. How is IT audit consulting different from a security audit?
Great question! While a network security audit is focused on your technical systems and network, IT audit consulting services take a broader approach. They review your entire IT strategy, including risk management, compliance, infrastructure, and even budgeting.
This helps align your technology with business goals—and gives you a more complete picture of your IT health.
Conclusion
Network security is not just a one-time task—it’s an ongoing responsibility. With cyber threats on the rise across Australia, using a clear and complete network security audit checklist is the best way to protect your business, your customers, and your reputation. From reviewing user access and firewall settings to evaluating backup plans and remote access, every step counts.
At TECHOM Systems, we specialize in making network security simple, effective, and tailored to your needs. Whether you’re just starting your first audit or looking to strengthen your existing IT processes, TECHOM Systems audit process are designed to give your business the security edge it deserves.
Ready to Secure Your Network?
Let’s take the guesswork out of cybersecurity.
Contact TECHOM Systems today for a tailored network security audit that helps your business stay safe, compliant, and future-ready.
Because when your IT is secure, your business can grow with confidence.
Technical Specialist with 10+ years of experience in IT solutions, data engineering and AI-driven automation. At TECHOM Systems, she focuses on delivering secure, scalable and business aligned technology strategies. She applies advanced technical skills to develop scalable solutions and integrate emerging technologies for optimized digital workflows.
