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Network Assessment
With the increasing popularity of the Internet and
the prevalence of borderless networks, information system
network assessments have become more important and more
common. The goal of an information system network
assessment by RNS is to discover potential risks in
information systems before malicious users discover and
exploit them. According to The National Strategy to Secure
Cyberspace, September 2002, "A digital disaster
strikes some enterprise every day. Infrastructure
disruptions have cascading impacts, multiplying their
cyber and physical effects". Every organization,
large and small, should regularly undergo a network
assessment to assess their information system's design and
vulnerabilities.
After an information system network assessment is
performed,, steps can be taken to eliminate any threats
and vulnerabilities that were discovered and to improve on
the overall awareness of network and network-related
issues. After the systems are presumed secure, an
organization should continuously assess threats and
vulnerabilities. Full network assessments by RNS should
also be scheduled periodically to ensure that an enhanced
level of network is maintained and up-to-date best
practices are followed.
In general, network assessments by RNS help to reduce
the costs associated with information system attacks.
Expenses that can arise from ineffective or insufficient
network can include: the cost to rebuild, repair or
replace violated systems; the loss of business assets such
as intellectual property or trade secrets; the cost of
business interruption due to unplanned downtime; liability
and possible fines associated with the failure to comply
with information protection laws and regulations; and
business erosion due to loss of confidence and trust from
customers, partners and associates.
In short, a network assessment's value can be can be
expressed by the cost savings derived from the processes
of optimizing the infrastructure, improving efficiencies,
enhancing availability, and improving risk management.
Assessing a customer's information system and reporting
the results back to the customer help our customer make
informed decisions so that they can operate the best
information system possible. This adds value for the
organization, their partners, and customers. |