Safeguarding your organisation’s network is crucial for its success, especially in the face of ever-evolving cyber threats. To ensure a secure and compliant network, it is essential to take proactive measures. One of the most effective tools in identifying assets and vulnerabilities on your network is IT device discovery.
But why is IT discovery important for IT security and compliance?
IT discovery involves the process of identifying and cataloging the various components that make up your IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, and other elements. This critical process enables IT administrators to identify potential issues, plan for future growth, and ensure the smooth functioning of IT networks.
Once you have completed the identification and cataloging of your IT inventory, you can maintain a comprehensive record of all your assets. Having a centralised inventory enables IT administrators to quickly identify and resolve any problems that may arise.
Furthermore, it is important to have accurate and up-to-date information about your device landscape, as up to 30% of an organisation’s IT assets can be ghost assets—missing or unaccounted for. By automating the discovery process, you can swiftly detect network changes and respond to potential threats, ultimately ensuring a secure and compliant network.
How does IT discovery work?
IT discovery can be performed through manual scanning or automated scanning tools. Manual scans involve manually entering IP addresses into a scanner, while automated scans utilise specially designed software programs. These programs search through your organisation’s environment, looking for hardware components (computers, servers, routers, and switches), software components (operating systems and applications), and network connections (LANs or WANs).
Moreover, the ability to discover devices from other sources via connectors is crucial in providing a comprehensive picture of your entire IT estate, as not every asset will be on the network.
Benefits of IT discovery for IT security:
Accurate device information is a vital component of any organisation’s IT network. It enables you to identify and track assets on your network and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards. By automating the device discovery process, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- Real-time alerts: Stay informed about any changes in the device inventory, enabling quick detection of potential threats and prompt response. With accurate device information, you can identify unknown assets, reduce the attack surface by removing outdated or unauthorized hardware, and enhance overall security.
- Compliance: Ensure that your network adheres to relevant security regulations and standards, such as GDPR, PCI DSS, HIPAA, and CCPA. IT discovery provides the necessary visibility to monitor compliance and take appropriate actions.
- Performance monitoring: Accurately monitor the performance of your IT infrastructure and maintain its security. Real-time visibility into all connected devices allows your IT team to identify and address problems proactively, minimising downtime and enhancing productivity and employee experience.
- Quick response to potential threats: With extended visibility across your network, swiftly locate malicious actors or vulnerabilities that could lead to an attack. Timely monitoring of network architecture changes helps identify potential weaknesses before exploitation occurs. Managing user access to the network reduces the risk of unauthorised access or misuse.
- Enhancing security strategy: Gain valuable insights into your organisation’s response to potential threats. By measuring response time and tracking incidents, you can evaluate the effectiveness of your security strategies and make necessary improvements.
By leveraging IT device discovery, you can effectively manage your network’s assets and vulnerabilities, ensuring a secure and compliant environment for your organisation. Stay one step ahead of cyber threats and protect your network’s integrity and productivity.
Written by Steve Feldstein
