Network PC and Server Audit Checklist

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Version 1.0

February 4, 2010

Network, PC, and server audit checklist

By Erik Eckel

Introduction Tracking client systems, software, security, backups, and network configurations is a complex 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 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 industry practices. In other words, the checklist provides you with a barometer to learn just how professional and serious a client really is.



CLIENT

INITIAL MEETING

Contact

Title

Company Name

Street Address

City, State, Zip

Telephone

Mobile

Email

NETWORK (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 1 Name)


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

Configured with two partitions

C reports 64% free

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 battery-powered network switch.

Backup Method None Recommend implementing Acronis True Image Backup with Universal



Restore backup operation with two external hard disks for storing copy off 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 1 Name)


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

Documents

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