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For financial institutions and other regulated organizations, network security is critical. These organizations manage highly sensitive customer and operational data, where even a single breach can result in financial loss, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties. Cybercriminals continually advance their methods, making a proactive, comprehensive approach to network security testing essential.
Why Network Security Services Matter
Investing in network security services isn't just about securing systems — it's about safeguarding people, customers, and your organization's reputation. The right services help you:
- Identify and remediate vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them
- Strengthen detection, response, and recovery capabilities
- Support regulatory compliance and audit readiness
- Improve security awareness across your team
- Build confidence with executives, boards, and customers
By prioritizing network security testing, your organization can reduce risk, maintain compliance, and protect sensitive data.
Network Security Services at a Glance
Explore the key services that strengthen network defenses and prepare your team to respond effectively:
- Cloud Security Assessment
- Incident Readiness Assessment
- Microsoft 365 Hardening Assessment
- Network Security Audit
- Penetration Testing
- Purple Team Testing
- Red Team Testing
- Social Engineering
- Vulnerability Assessment
Cloud Security Assessment
A cloud security assessment evaluates your cloud infrastructure, including architecture, configuration, and compliance with standards relevant to your industry. It identifies vulnerabilities and provides detailed recommendations for improvement.
Why it matters: This assessment's key benefits include reducing regulatory risk, protecting sensitive cloud data, and supporting informed cloud operations.
Incident Readiness Assessment
An incident readiness assessment examines policies, communication plans, detection tools, containment procedures, and recovery practices. It uses simulated scenarios to highlight gaps and provide actionable guidance for improved preparedness.
Why it matters: Organizations that test readiness can respond more quickly, minimize damage, and maintain stakeholder confidence during an incident.
Microsoft 365 Hardening Assessment
Microsoft 365 (M365) is central to most organizations' operations and a frequent target for attackers. An M365 hardening assessment evaluates identity and access controls, email protection, data security, and system settings. It closes gaps, enforces strong authentication, and strengthens resilience against phishing, account takeover, and data loss.
Why it matters: Hardening M365 reduces the risk of data breaches, strengthens compliance, and safeguards critical digital assets.
Network Security Audit
A network security audit provides a thorough evaluation of network defenses. Experts examine firewalls, intrusion detection systems, endpoint protection, network segmentation, and policies, offering actionable recommendations to address vulnerabilities and optimize security posture.
Why it matters: Audits reveal both technical and procedural weaknesses, helping organizations maintain audit readiness and make informed network security decisions.
Penetration Testing
Penetration testing simulates realistic attacks to uncover vulnerabilities that automated scans may miss. Ethical hackers attempt to access critical systems, applications, and data using techniques an attacker would employ, then provide detailed reports with prioritized remediation steps.
Why it matters: Pen tests reveal exploitable weaknesses, enabling proactive remediation and reducing the likelihood of breaches.
Purple Team Testing
Purple team testing combines offensive (red) and defensive (blue) teams in a collaborative exercise. Insights gained during these exercises are applied to strengthen internal security posture, monitoring, and detection capabilities.
Why it matters: Purple team testing strengthens security culture, ensures the effectiveness of detection tools, and improves operational readiness.
Red Team Testing
Red team testing is an advanced, adversary-focused engagement that evaluates how defenses hold up against sophisticated attacks. This approach combines technical exploits and social engineering to expose hidden vulnerabilities.
Why it matters: Red team exercises uncover weaknesses traditional testing may miss, guiding improvements in both defensive controls and response strategies.
Social Engineering
Human error remains a top cause of security incidents. Social engineering engagements simulate phishing emails, phone scams, and other tactics to assess team awareness, followed by feedback and training to improve recognition and response.
Why it matters: Testing and security awareness training reinforce human defenses, helping prevent breaches caused by a single click or conversation.
Vulnerability Assessment
A vulnerability assessment systematically scans your network infrastructure, including servers, workstations, and applications. Findings are analyzed, prioritized by severity, and paired with actionable guidance for patching and mitigation.
Why it matters: Addressing vulnerabilities in order of risk reduces the attack surface and strengthens overall network security.
Where to Start
Not every organization needs to schedule every service at once. If your team is new to network security testing, begin with a vulnerability assessment or penetration test to get a clear picture of your risks. Organizations relying heavily on M365 should prioritize a hardening review, while those preparing for regulatory exams may benefit most from a network security audit. More mature programs can layer on advanced exercises like red and purple team testing to fine-tune defenses.
How Often to Schedule Network Security Services
The right cadence depends on your risk profile, regulatory requirements, and how often your environment changes. As a general rule:
- Vulnerability assessments: At least quarterly
- Penetration testing and social engineering: Annually, or more often in high-risk environments
- Network security audits and readiness assessments: Annually to align with audits and board reporting
- Red or purple teaming: After foundational services are in place or following major environment changes
Keeping services on a recurring schedule ensures your defenses evolve with emerging threats, regulatory shifts, and organizational growth. These recommendations align with widely accepted standards, including PCI DSS, NIST, and FFIEC guidance, though frequency should always be tailored to your organization’s unique risk profile.
Strengthen Your Cybersecurity with Network Security Services
Network security is an ongoing process, not a one-time project. Prioritizing these services helps organizations identify weaknesses, improve readiness, and safeguard sensitive data. By assessing and enhancing network security this quarter, teams can enter the next with confidence in their cybersecurity posture, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience.
Ready to take the next step? Connect with one of our experts to discuss which network security services best suit your organization’s needs and timeline.
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