Network PC and Server Audit Checklist

Network, PC, and server audit checklist

Version 1.0 February 4, 2010

By Erik Eckel

Introduction Tracking client systems, software, security, backups, and network configurations is a com plex process; worse, the process is fraught with error. It's very easy to overlook simple but important issues when first meeting a client and reviewing the client's technology infrastructure. Determining and logging technology weaknesses and vulnerabilities that require attention, as well as tracking which recommendations have been provided to clients (in writing, no less), are difficult tasks. This simple checklist can help.

Customize the template The Word document is easily edited to meet any special needs your clients or office may m ay have. Further, sample notes are included within the Workstation 1, Notes and Recommendations pages to help you understand how to use it (just cut-and-paste the network, workstation, and server entries into as many pages as there are networks, workstations, and servers).

Major benefit of using the template One of the most significant benefits of using the checklist is it will help you gauge the client's willingness to properly invest in the systems necessary to achieve the client's stated business needs and objectives. My office has been burnt more than once by clients who talk a big game but, when it comes to crunch time, balk like rookies seeing their first major league curveball. We've invested numerous hours in understanding a client's specific business needs and security requirements, only to be told at the eleventh hour that the $9,000 project the client said they wanted to complete really needs to be completed for just $4,000. By completing this checklist upfront, you can learn what's required to close technology gaps and implement appropriate security controls, properly license software, and meet best ind ustry practices. In other words, the checklist provides you with a barometer to learn just how professional and serious a client really is.

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CLIENT INITIAL MEETING Contact Title Company Name Street Address City, State, Zip Telephone Mobile Email

NETWORK (Location (Location 1) ITEM

DESCRIPTION

RECOMMENDATION

ISP 1 Modem / Integrator ISP 2 Modem / Integrator Hardware-Based Firewall Network Switch Battery Backup Cabling Grade Wireless Security Data Circuit Sustained Ping Test Bandwidth Test DHCP Authority DNS Authority WAN IP Other 1 Other 2



WORKSTATION 1 (Computer (Computer 1 Name ) ITEM

DESCRIPTION

RECOMMENDATION

Make

Dell

NA

Model

Dimension 2200

NA

Computer Name

Receptionist

NA

Workgroup/Domain

ACMECORP

NA

OS

Windows XP Professional SP3

NA

CPU

Pentium 4 2.8GHz

Our clients report much better performance running Outlook, other Microsoft applications, and QuickBooks when using dual-core powered CPUs; this machine's CPU predates the introduction of Intel's dual-core CPUs.

RAM

512MB

Recommend minimum of 1 GB for Windows systems that run QuickBooks.

Hard Disk 1

80 GB; NTFS

C reports 64% free

Configured with two partitions

D reports 92% free

Hard Disk 2

Not present

NA

Disk Health

Microsoft chkdsk performed

Chkdsk operation revealed master file table and allocated free space issues; recommend verifying full backup and then performing chkdsk with /f repair operation.

Disk Fragmentation

Disk Defragmentation run

5%; defragmentation of C not required.

IP Information

DHCP

192.168.1.1 range, serviced by network router.

AntiVirus

AVG AntiVirus Professional

Version 8.0 is installed; our office recommends upgrading to version 9 to better secure Windows systems.

AntiVirus Log Notes

Scans performing as planned

No action required; no reported unresolved security threats.

Windows Update Status

Disabled.

Recommend downloading and installing security patches and performance updates.

Office Version

Microsoft Office Professional 2002 SP3

Recommend upgrade to Microsoft Office Professional 2007.

Critical Applications

Outlook, QuickBooks Professional 2006

Recommend upgrading to Outlook 2007 and QuickBooks Professional 2010 to receive better performance, stability, security, and compatibility.

File Shares

Access files shared to second PC

This workstation serves as host.

Error Log Notes

Repeated NIC loss-of-connectivity issues

Suspected due to lack of batterypowered network switch.

Backup Method

None

Recommend implementing Acronis True Image Backup with Universal



Restore backup operation with two external hard disks for storing copy o ff site. Backup Status

None

Recommend implementing backup strategy immediately.

Firewall Status

Windows Firewall

Enabled with exceptions.

Printers

Local and network MFP

NA

Battery / Surge Protection

APC

Battery requires replacement; recommend replacing battery backup unit.

Other 1

NA

NA

Other 2

NA

NA



SERVER 1 (Server ( Server 1 Name ) ITEM

DESCRIPTION

RECOMMENDATION

Make Model Server Name Domain OS 32- Or 64-Bit CPU1 CPU2 RAM Hard Disk 1 Disk Array Hard Disk 2 Hard Disk 3 Hard Disk 4 Disk Health Disk Fragmentation IP Information AntiVirus AntiVirus Log Notes Windows Update Status Critical Services Critical Applications Active Directory Status Exchange Status SQL Status CAL License Status File Shares Error Log Notes Backup Method Backup Status System State Backup Data Backups Verified Firewall Status Printers Battery / Surge Protection Other 1



Other 2



NOTES ITEM 1

Client chooses to wait on upgrading Microsoft Office and QuickBooks software due to budget constraints.

ITEM 2

ITEM 3

ITEM 4

ITEM 5

ITEM 6

ITEM 7


Network PC and Server Audit Checklist

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