Templates
Server audit checklist

Server audit checklist

Conduct thorough audits of your server infrastructure with this audit checklist. It helps identify vulnerabilities and ensures compliance with industry standards. Regular use of this checklist enhances server performance and security.

Use this template
or download pdf
Server audit checklist

Conduct thorough audits of your server infrastructure with this audit checklist. It helps identify vulnerabilities and ensures compliance with industry standards. Regular use of this checklist enhances server performance and security.

Use this template
or download pdf

About the Server audit checklist

A server audit checklist is structured to ensure a comprehensive review of your server environment. It begins with identifying hardware and software components, allowing you to verify their configurations and update them as needed. This helps you maintain optimal performance and security across your systems.

The checklist includes sections for evaluating security protocols, such as access controls and firewall settings, ensuring that your servers are protected against unauthorized access and potential threats. Regular audits using this checklist help you identify vulnerabilities and address them proactively.

Additionally, the checklist guides you through assessing backup procedures and disaster recovery plans, which are crucial for maintaining data integrity and business continuity. By using a server audit checklist, you streamline the auditing process, reduce the risk of oversights, and enhance your ability to manage your IT infrastructure efficiently. This structured approach not only improves operational efficiency but also ensures compliance with industry standards.

Key elements of a server audit checklist

A server audit checklist is essential for ensuring your server environment is secure and efficient. Here are the key elements you should include:

  • Hardware and software inventory: Start by cataloging all hardware and software components. This helps you verify configurations and ensure that they are up-to-date, which is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and security.
  • Security assessment: Evaluate security protocols, including access controls, firewall settings, and antivirus updates. Regularly reviewing these elements protects your servers from unauthorized access and potential threats, safeguarding your data and infrastructure.
  • Performance metrics: Include sections for monitoring server performance, such as CPU usage, memory capacity, and network throughput. Tracking these metrics allows you to identify bottlenecks and optimize resources, enhancing overall efficiency.
  • Backup and recovery procedures: Assess your backup systems and disaster recovery plans. Ensuring these are robust and reliable is vital for maintaining data integrity and business continuity in case of unexpected failures.

Tips for performing a server audit with a checklist

To make the most of your server audit checklist, start by customizing it to fit your organization’s specific needs. Add sections that are relevant to your infrastructure to ensure all critical components are covered, enhancing the audit’s effectiveness. Schedule regular audits to maintain security and performance. 

Consistent audits help you identify issues early, allowing you to address them before they escalate into major problems. Document your findings thoroughly, keeping detailed records of each audit, including any issues and actions taken. 

Accurate documentation provides a valuable reference for future audits and helps track improvements over time. Involve your IT staff in the audit process to benefit from their insights and expertise. This collaboration ensures a comprehensive audit and fosters a culture of continuous improvement within your organization. 

By implementing these tips, you enhance your ability to manage server audits efficiently and maintain a secure IT environment.

Categories

  • Operational excellence templates
  • ICT templates
  • Templates for business processes
Preview of the template
Audit
Where "NO" is answered to a question, you will be presented with an additional field where further comments can be made in addition to the ability to attach an image related to the issue.
Physical Security
There are no external windows
External windows are a potential security threat. These should be protected from human entry and damage from debris during a cyclone that would enable rain to enter the room.
Are all windows fitted with Cyclone/security screens
Are all doors solid core construction
Was the door closed and locked on arrival
Does the server room door have a clearly visible sign indicated that access is restricted to authorised persons only
Is there a form of controlled entry to the server room, such as card reader.
Have the audit or access control lists been checked for unauthorised persons having access to the room. Indicate any persons with access that should not have.
Only authorised persons had access to the server room
Is the server monitored by CCTV
CCTV located where
Only access to room is through secured room/building
Does the building have 24 hour security
Building Facilities
Does the server room have backup power
What is the run time of the generator
When was the generator last tested
Does the server room have a UPS installed
Record Brand, serial number etc
UPS run time
Date UPS last tested
Are there any issues
Does server room have adequate air conditioning
Is there a fire suppression system
Is the suppression system gas or water based
Date system last tested
Does the room have adequate fire and environment monitoring in place
Date last tested
Is server room on ground floor of building
Is the server floor higher than the floor outside of room
There is potential for water from fire sprinklers, localised flooding or cyclone/rain to enter the room to enter the server room. Servers should be on raised platform or room should have a sump drainage system.
Is electrical and electronic equipment on raised pedestals
Is the telephone extension in the room
What is the telephone number.
Is the server room free of fire hazard materials such as cardboard boxes and paper
ICT Infrastructure
Racks should be secured to ensure they cannot be knocked over. Are the racks secured against mild seismic activity
Is adequate cabinet security enforced.
All servers have front and rear doors fitted
Server doors closed and locked
Is there sufficient space between racks and walls to enable doors to be opened and work to be undertaken
What percentage of the racks capacity is currently being utilized, in precent
Is there space for additional cabinets
Is the cabling organised and clearly labelled
Are the servers secured by passwords and not open for unauthorised persons to access them
Are the servers clearly labelled
List the servers present
Disaster Recovery
Is there an up to date list of ICT contacts in the server room
Are Backup tapes stored in the server room
Are the tapes stored in a fire proof safe
Is the backup tape safe closed and locked
Overall Assessment
Overall assessment of the rooms physical security where 0 is poor and 10 is excellent
Overall assessment of the rooms physical facilities where 0 is poor and 10 is excellent
Overall assessment of the ICT infrastructure where 0 is poor and 10 is excellent
Additional Comments
This template was downloaded 1921 times

Frequently asked questions

How can I improve the efficiency of my server audits?

To improve the efficiency of server audits, customize your audit checklist to fit your specific infrastructure needs, schedule regular audits, and involve your IT team for their expertise. Thorough documentation of findings and actions taken will also help streamline future audits and track improvements over time.

What are common issues found during server audits?

Common issues found during server audits include outdated software, insufficient security measures, and inadequate backup systems. Regular audits help identify these vulnerabilities early, allowing you to address them promptly to maintain optimal performance and security.

Why is it important to involve the IT team in server audits?

Involving the IT team in server audits is crucial because they provide valuable insights and expertise that ensure a comprehensive audit. Their participation helps identify potential issues and fosters a culture of continuous improvement, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the audit process.

How often should server audits be conducted?

Server audits should be conducted regularly, at least quarterly, to maintain security and performance. Regular audits help you identify and address issues early, ensuring your server environment remains reliable and efficient while meeting compliance requirements.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.