Network Security Audit Checklist

Use this Network Security Audit Checklist to establish robust policies and processes, compliance, asset management, and incident response readiness.

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IT & Data Center
Network Security Audit Checklist

Data Protection, Encryption & Communication Security

Endpoint & Device Security

Patch Management, Vulnerability & Logging

Incident Response & Recovery

User Awareness & Third-Party

Governance, Policy & Documentation

Asset Inventory & Architecture

Physical & Environmental Security

Access Control & Identity Management

Network Configuration & Segmentation

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Checklist by GoAudits.com – Please note that this checklist is intended as an example. We do not guarantee compliance with the laws applicable to your territory or industry. You should seek professional advice to determine how this checklist should be adapted to your workplace or jurisdiction.

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Network Security Audit Checklist

Use this Network Security Audit Checklist to establish robust policies and processes, compliance, asset management, and incident response readiness.

1. Is TLS/SSL or IPSec used to safeguard data in transit?

2. Is sensitive data encrypted on servers, storage media, and portable devices?

3. Are encryption keys secured, is access limited, and is rotation performed regularly?

4. Are SPF, DKIM, and DMARC configured to protect email communications and domains?

5. Are advanced spam filtering and quarantining mechanisms in place?

6. Are attachments scanned for malware before transmission?

1. Are endpoint detection and response solutions deployed to monitor and respond to threats?

2. Are unnecessary services disabled, are strong passwords enforced, and are default accounts removed?

3. Do personal devices comply with minimum security requirements, and are remote wipe capabilities enabled?

1. Is a systematic patch schedule maintained, and are updates tested in a staging environment first?

2. Are logs aggregated in an SIEM tool, and are automated alerts for anomalies configured?

3. Are regular vulnerability scans conducted, periodic penetration tests performed, and is remediation prioritized based on severity?

1. Does an incident response plan exist, detailing roles and communication procedures for security events?

2. Are critical systems backed up regularly, and are restore processes tested for reliability?

3. Are guidelines for communicating with stakeholders during incidents defined?

1. Is ongoing security training provided on phishing awareness, safe browsing, and social engineering?

2. Is specialized training conducted for personnel handling sensitive data or systems?

3. Are simulated phishing exercises used to identify and address employee vulnerabilities?

4. Are third-party security measures evaluated before access is granted?

5. Is vendor or partner access restricted to only the necessary systems and data?

6. Do supplier contracts include data protection and incident reporting obligations?

1. Is a documented security policy available and accessible to all staff?

2. Are consistent procedures applied to address policy violations?

3. Are relevant legal and industry requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) met?

4. Is a log of policy updates maintained to confirm staff awareness?

5. Are audit findings documented, and does leadership receive regular security posture updates?

1. Is a documented security policy available and accessible to all staff?

2. Are consistent procedures applied to address policy violations?

3. Are relevant legal and industry requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) met?

4. Is a log of policy updates maintained to confirm staff awareness?

5. Are audit findings documented, and does leadership receive regular security posture updates?

1. Is a current registry of all hardware, software, and cloud resources maintained?

2. Is an accurate diagram of network segments, firewalls, and access points available?

3. Is sensitive data clearly labeled to guide handling and security controls?

1. Is a current registry of all hardware, software, and cloud resources maintained?

2. Is an accurate diagram of network segments, firewalls, and access points available?

3. Is sensitive data clearly labeled to guide handling and security controls?

1. Is access to critical areas restricted through locks, badges, or biometric systems?

2. Do visitors entering secure zones follow sign-in procedures and are they escorted?

3. Are high-security locations protected by surveillance cameras and alarm systems?

1. Is access to critical areas restricted through locks, badges, or biometric systems?

2. Do visitors entering secure zones follow sign-in procedures and are they escorted?

3. Are high-security locations protected by surveillance cameras and alarm systems?

1. Are unique credentials issued to each user, with access limited to job requirements?

1. Are unique credentials issued to each user, with access limited to job requirements?

2. Is multi-factor authentication in place for privileged, VPN, and remote-access accounts?

3. Are user privileges reviewed periodically, and is unnecessary access revoked?

1. Is a “deny all, allow specific” approach to firewall rules enforced and regularly reviewed?

2. Are sensitive systems isolated from general or guest networks?

3. Are VPN or similar encrypted channels used to secure remote connections?