A network audit checklist is a simple guide that helps you review and improve your network. It covers things like hardware, software, user access, and security settings to find issues or risks. For larger setups, like enterprise network infrastructure, the checklist helps verify that all parts of the system are optimized and secure.

This article details:

• How important a network audit checklist is to a business
• 15 action items to help you fix problems and improve the performance of a network
• Why a company should never neglect a network audit
• How Meter’s secure infrastructure can help your business

Why is a network audit checklist so important?

A checklist keeps you focused, making sure you’re looking at all the right things, from security gaps to outdated software. You can think of a network audit checklist as the map to your network's treasure chest. Without it, you’re wandering aimlessly, hoping everything is working as it should.

If you skip audits, you might not notice weak points until something breaks—or worse, someone hacks into your system. Nobody wants to explain why sensitive data got exposed because of a missed patch or an open port. A checklist forces you to check these details, no excuses.

It’s also a huge time-saver. Imagine trying to audit a network by memory or random guesses. You're likely going to miss something. A checklist organizes the process, so you’re not scrambling or overlooking critical areas. Plus, it helps you prioritize, so you tackle the biggest risks first instead of getting bogged down in minor issues.

To be as direct as possible, a network audit checklist is like having a cheat sheet for staying secure, compliant, and efficient. It’s not glamorous, but it’s one of the easiest ways to keep your network running the way it should.

The importance speaks for itself. Now, let’s examine the 15 essential items every network audit checklist should include.

1. Understand your network infrastructure

Before fixing or optimizing anything, you need to know what you’re working with. Start by listing all hardware like:

• Routers
• Switches
• Firewalls
• Servers

Don’t forget about virtualized environments!

Track software details, such as operating systems and licenses. The detailed inventory lays the groundwork for your audit and helps prevent anything from slipping through the cracks.

2. Map the network design

A list is a good start, but a visual map takes your understanding to the next level. Create a diagram of your network to identify how devices and systems connect. Highlight dependencies, segmentations, and any areas where sensitive data flows. The map speeds up troubleshooting and proves invaluable for future planning.

3. Assess security policies and compliance

Your policies should outline rules for passwords, access control, and data handling.

Are they up-to-date? Are they being followed?

Check compliance with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA, and align your policies with industry standards. Routine updates keep you ahead of emerging threats and regulatory changes.

4. Monitor network traffic

Think of your network traffic as the pulse of your system. Use tools to monitor data flows, identify resource-heavy devices, and track performance. Unusual spikes or patterns—like massive outbound data transfers—can signal issues such as breaches or malware activity.

5. Inspect access controls

Access controls determine who can do what within your network. Review user permissions to verify everyone has enough access to do their jobs, no more. Install multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security. Don’t forget to check access logs periodically to catch unusual activity.

6. Verify backup and recovery procedures

Backups are only useful if they work. Make sure you’re backing up critical data consistently and that your disaster recovery plan is current. Test backups for integrity—restoring corrupted data doesn’t help anyone. Knowing you can recover quickly minimizes downtime and stress during a crisis.

7. Conduct vulnerability scans

Automated vulnerability scans are your first line of defense for spotting weak points in your network. Pair these with penetration tests to simulate real-world attacks. The combination helps you uncover gaps and fix vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them.

8. Review firewall configurations

Your firewalls control what gets in and out of your network, so their settings need to be precise. Update firewall rules at monthly intervals to reflect changes in your network. Disable unused ports and use strong administrative passwords to protect against unauthorized changes.

9. Secure wireless networks

Wi-Fi is a common entry point for attackers, so don’t take shortcuts. Use WPA3 encryption to protect your wireless network. Keep your SSIDs generic—there’s no need to broadcast your company name—and periodically scan for rogue access points to eliminate backdoors into your system.

10. Evaluate DNS security

DNS security is often overlooked but is important for keeping your network secure. Put in place DNS filtering to block access to malicious domains and prevent DNS-based attacks like spoofing or phishing. Habitually check DNS logs for anomalies that could indicate a problem.

11. Review endpoint protection

Every device connected to your network—laptops, smartphones, IoT devices—is a potential target. Ensure endpoint protection tools are installed and up to date, including antivirus and firewalls. Watch devices for signs of compromise and address issues immediately.

12. Check physical security measures

Even the best digital defenses can’t protect against someone walking into your server room uninvited. Use locked doors, keycard access, and surveillance cameras to secure critical equipment. Restrict physical access to only those who absolutely need it.

13. Analyze patch management practices

Outdated software is a hacker’s dream. Review your patch management process to confirm updates are installed promptly. Automate where possible to stay on top of security patches and remove gaps that attackers might exploit.

14. Test incident response capabilities

A well-documented incident response plan is only useful if it works. Simulate security events, like data breaches or ransomware attacks, to test your team’s preparedness. These drills help you identify gaps and improve response times for when the real thing happens.

15. Generate a thorough audit report

Your audit isn’t complete until it’s documented. Compile all findings into a detailed report, using visuals like charts to highlight trends and priorities. Include actionable recommendations for improving security and performance. Share the report with stakeholders to get buy-in for necessary changes.

A network security best practices checklist

Simply checking off boxes doesn't secure a network. You'll need to build a layered defense that works even when something goes wrong. One overlooked, but highly effective, best practice is implementing multi-layered security strategies. Think of it as creating multiple checkpoints for attackers, so if one fails, the others hold strong. Here are five guidelines for a network security checklist:

1. Micro-segmentation for enhanced isolation

While network segmentation gets a lot of attention, micro-segmentation takes it a step further. Instead of separating departments or systems, it isolates workloads within the network.

For example, if an attacker breaches one application, micro-segmentation blocks them from accessing others. Use this technique to isolate sensitive areas like financial systems or customer data servers.

2. Advanced threat detection tools

Firewalls and antivirus software are a good start, but more advanced threats need better tools. Automated threat detection systems monitor unusual behavior instead of focusing only on known threats. Systems like these help catch new vulnerabilities and insider risks before they cause damage.

3. Strong email security measures

Email is a weak link in many networks. Phishing scams, malware, and credential theft all start here. Add email filtering solutions that scan for malicious links and attachments.

To prevent domain spoofing and fake emails from slipping through, enforce sender verification protocols like:

• SPF (Sender Policy Framework), confirms emails are sent from authorized servers.
• DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), adds a digital signature to verify the message hasn’t been altered.
• DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance), combines SPF and DKIM to decide if an email should be accepted, rejected, or flagged.

Such measures reduce the chances of spoofed emails slipping through and compromising your network.

4. Least privilege meets Zero Trust

The principle of least privilege (giving users access only to what they need) is important, but pairing it with a Zero Trust model makes it even stronger. Under Zero Trust, no device, user, or application is inherently trusted, even if they’re already inside your network. It reduces lateral movement, making it harder for attackers to move from one compromised system to another.

5. Continuous security testing

Frequent vulnerability scans are great, but adding continuous security testing elevates your defense. Tools like breach and attack simulation platforms can run 24/7 to mimic attack scenarios and test the effectiveness of your defenses in real time. Unlike annual penetration testing, these tools keep you prepared year-round.

The dangers of neglecting a network audit

Skipping a network audit might feel like skipping a dentist appointment—it saves time now, but the long-term consequences can be far worse (and more expensive). Ignoring your network’s health is an open invitation for security risks, operational inefficiencies, and surprise breakdowns that could bring your entire business to a standstill.

Security gaps that attackers love

When you don’t audit your network, you’re essentially leaving a door unlocked and hoping nobody notices. Vulnerabilities can quietly pile up over time, such as:

• Unpatched software
• Outdated firewalls
• Weak access controls

These overlooked issues make it easy for hackers to exploit your network, steal sensitive data, or disrupt operations. And let’s be honest—explaining a breach because of an "open port you forgot about" isn’t going to win you any favors.

Performance issues that grow unchecked

A neglected network tends to run about as smoothly as a car with a flat tire. Bottlenecks, bandwidth hogs, and misconfigured devices can slow everything down, frustrating your team and possibly your customers. Without regular audits, you won’t even know where the problems are coming from, leaving you to throw money at temporary fixes instead of solving the root cause.

Compliance penalties that cost big

If your industry requires regulatory compliance, skipping audits is like playing a game of financial roulette. Missed requirements can lead to hefty fines, legal trouble, or even the loss of customer trust. And let’s face it, rebuilding trust is a lot harder than preventing the problem in the first place.

Downtime waiting to happen

Networks are full of moving parts, and without regular checkups, the risk of a critical failure grows. That outdated server you’ve been meaning to replace? It could fail during peak business hours. Or that neglected backup policy? It might leave you floundering to recover lost data. Downtime is costly, both in dollars and reputation, and often hits hardest when you least expect it.

The moral of the story is…

Neglecting a network audit doesn’t just put your system at risk—it puts your time, money, and peace of mind on the line. Network auditing isn’t flashy, but it’s a lot better than cleaning up after a disaster that could have been avoided. It’s like maintenance for your network—you wouldn’t skip oil changes for your car, so don’t skip audits for your infrastructure.

Stay secure with Meter

Starting with a solid infrastructure and keeping up with monitoring makes a network audit checklist much easier to manage. It also frees up your IT team to focus on more important projects instead of dealing with constant surprises.

With Meter’s end-to-end solution, everything from design to maintenance is covered. That means less time spent on routine tasks and more time for what really matters.

With Meter, you get:

• A customized solution: We offer network design built for efficiency and scalability.
• A centralized platform: Our dashboard is your single pane of glass for monitoring, managing, and enforcing security policies.
• Elevated security: DNS security, malware protection, and VPN capabilities are built-in to prevent unauthorized access and keep your data safe.
• Expert assistance: Anytime you need it, Meter support is there for troubleshooting, maintenance, and upgrades.
• Reliable performance: We provide switches and access points that deliver speed and stability across your infrastructure.
• Hassle-free installation: Meter's ISP connection setup is designed to deliver peak performance.

Request a demo of Meter to see how we can help you keep your network secure.