ISO 27001 Network Security and Infrastructure Audit Checklist for Financial Services

A comprehensive audit checklist for evaluating and enhancing network security and IT infrastructure resilience in financial services organizations, ensuring compliance with ISO 27001 standards and addressing industry-specific requirements for protecting critical financial systems and data.

Get Template

About This Checklist

In the interconnected world of financial services, robust network security and a resilient IT infrastructure are paramount for protecting sensitive data and ensuring uninterrupted operations. The ISO 27001 Network Security and Infrastructure Audit Checklist for Financial Services is an essential tool for assessing and enhancing an organization's network defenses and IT infrastructure resilience. This comprehensive checklist addresses key aspects of network security, from perimeter defenses and segmentation to intrusion detection and secure configuration management. By implementing strong network security controls and maintaining a robust IT infrastructure, financial institutions can safeguard against cyber threats, ensure the integrity of financial transactions, and maintain the trust of their clients and regulators.

Learn more

Industry

Financial Services

Standard

ISO/IEC 27001 - Information Security Management

Workspaces

Data Centers
Network Operations Centers
Financial Institutions

Occupations

Network Security Engineer
IT Infrastructure Manager
Cybersecurity Analyst
Systems Administrator
Information Security Auditor
1
Is the firewall configuration compliant with ISO 27001 standards?
2
How often is the intrusion detection system tested?
Min: 0
Target: Monthly
Max: 12
3
Describe the process in place for vulnerability management.
4
Is the network segmentation implemented according to the ISO 27001 requirements?
5
Are adequate security measures implemented for cloud networks?
6
Is there an effective incident response plan in place?
7
Provide a description of the network security policies in place.
8
When was the last network security audit conducted?
9
Is user access control implemented and reviewed regularly?
10
How often are employees trained on security policies?
Min: 0
Target: Annually
Max: 12
11
Is a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tool utilized for network monitoring?
12
List the network monitoring tools currently in use.
13
What is the average response time for threat detection?
Min: 0
Target: Less than 1 hour
Max: 120
14
Are security systems updated regularly with the latest patches?
15
When was the last network security incident reported?
16
Is multi-factor authentication (MFA) implemented for all users?
17
Describe how often user access rights are reviewed.
18
Is role-based access control (RBAC) implemented in the organization?
19
When was the last audit of access controls conducted?
20
What is the threshold for failed login attempts before an account is locked?
Min: 1
Target: 3
Max: 10
21
Is sensitive data encrypted both at rest and in transit?
22
Describe the procedures in place for data backup.
23
Is access to encrypted data restricted to authorized personnel only?
24
When was the last review of encryption standards conducted?
25
What is the defined Recovery Time Objective for data restoration?
Min: 0
Target: 2 Hours
Max: 24

FAQs

The checklist covers network segmentation, firewall configuration, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), secure remote access, wireless network security, network monitoring and logging, vulnerability management, and secure configuration of network devices and servers.

It includes specific items for evaluating cloud network security, such as virtual private cloud configurations, cloud access security brokers (CASBs), secure API management, and integration of cloud resources with on-premises network security controls.

The checklist emphasizes the implementation of network segmentation strategies to isolate critical financial systems, enforce the principle of least privilege, and contain potential breaches. It covers the use of VLANs, firewalls, and software-defined networking (SDN) for effective segmentation.

It includes items for assessing the implementation of advanced threat detection technologies, such as AI-powered security information and event management (SIEM) systems, threat intelligence integration, and the use of deception technologies to detect and respond to sophisticated attacks.

Comprehensive audits should be conducted at least annually, with more frequent assessments of critical network components and high-risk areas. Additionally, audits should be performed after significant changes to the network architecture, the introduction of new financial services platforms, or in response to emerging threat landscapes.

Benefits of ISO 27001 Network Security and Infrastructure Audit Checklist for Financial Services

Ensures compliance with ISO 27001 network security requirements and financial industry standards

Enhances protection against evolving cyber threats and sophisticated attack vectors

Improves network resilience and reduces the risk of service disruptions

Facilitates early detection and response to potential security incidents

Supports regulatory compliance and demonstrates due diligence in protecting financial systems