Did you know that approximately 33% of all computers have malicious software infections? Unfortunately, many companies are unable to accommodate a scenario like this due to the damage it could cause.

So, it's essential to emphasize maintaining a secure network. Regular network auditing can help you do so, which involves calculating something known as an S2 score. Let's take a look at everything you need to know about network secure auditing and how this score is calculated.

So, What Is an S2 Score?

An S2 score is a number that indicates how secure a company's network is. This value can be thought of in the same way that a credit score can.

The score is calculated based on factors that contribute to overall network security. This metric can then be used to determine how at-risk you are of experiencing a data breach.

What Benefits Can It Provide?

One of the benefits of an S2 score is that it can help you identify potential security risks. For example, if a company has a low S2 score, it might be because they're using outdated encryption methods or they have weak passwords.

By identifying these risks, your company can strengthen its network and prevent attacks. Another benefit of an S2 score is that it can help you compare the security of different networks.

This is useful if you're looking to partner with another company or switch vendors. By knowing the S2 scores of various companies, you can make an informed decision about which one is best for your needs.

Unfortunately, the cybercrime industry is projected to be worth over $10 trillion dollars by 2030. This means that attacks will become more frequent and more complex in the near future. So, you should never overlook the insight an S2 score can provide.

So, How Is an S2 Score Calculated?

The S2 score is calculated using a formula that takes into account various factors, including encryption methods, password strength, and the number of devices on the network. Each factor is given a weight, and the final score is determined by summing up the weighted scores of each factor.

For example, if a company uses weak encryption methods, it would receive a low score for that factor. However, if they have a strong password policy, they would receive a high score for that factor.

Am I Able to Perform an Audit on My Own?

Yes, you can! In fact, most companies conduct audits on a regular basis. However, performing a comprehensive audit is something that should be left to a professional.

It's also worth noting that a business that has never dealt with an S2 score before should also work with a professional. This will help ensure that you get an accurate calculation. In the future, you can conduct general security audits on a smaller scale.

What Should I Look For in a Professional Auditor?

As you might guess, it's not recommended to choose the first auditor that you encounter. There are certain criteria you should keep an eye out for in order to make the decision that is best for your company.

Let's explore some of the most notable factors.

What Is the Company's Reputation Like?

The first thing you should do is conduct research on the company.

See what other businesses have to say about their experience working with the auditor. If there are a lot of negative reviews, it might be best to look elsewhere.

In general, the more time you spend researching their reputation, the more likely you will make the best decision for you.

What Methods Do They Use?

When you're looking at an S2 score, you want to make sure that the company is using the most up-to-date methods.

This will help ensure that you're getting an accurate score. The last thing you want is to work with a company that uses outdated methods and gets a false sense of security. When determining which professional to work with, choose one that makes full use of comprehensive auditing methods.

Do They Have Experience in Your Industry?

The auditor should also have some experience working with companies in your industry. This will help them understand the specific risks that you face.

They should also be familiar with any industry-specific regulations that you need to comply with. Otherwise, you may not get a calculation that is accurate.

To clarify, they might determine that your company is not at risk of experiencing a cyberattack. However, they might fail to acknowledge breaches you have made to industry regulations.

Do They Offer Any Guarantees?

Most reputable companies will offer some sort of guarantee. This shows that they're confident in their ability to provide accurate results. It's also worth noting that some companies will offer a money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied with their service.

This is usually a good sign that they're a company that you can trust. If your prospective auditor doesn't offer any form of guarantee, it's in your best interest to continue your search.

Network Secure Auditing Might Seem Complicated at First

Ultimately, the S2 score will give you a snapshot of how secure a network is. By knowing the score, you can make decisions about which networks are best for your needs.

If you're interested in learning more about network security or calculating an S2 score, be sure to contact us today. We would be happy to help you with your network secure auditing obligations and help you prevent attacks in the future.

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