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This article shows you what to pay attention to in the implementation of Windows desktop audit, the content is concise and easy to understand, it will definitely brighten your eyes. I hope you can get something through the detailed introduction of this article.

When was the last time you conducted a Windows desktop audit? If you're like most network administrators I work with, you're lucky to be able to use a standard desktop image. A formal audit of everything on the table seems impossible.

Maybe you want to standardize your Windows configuration settings. Or you need to have a better grasp of terminal security. You may even want to clean up your organization's software licenses. No matter what your goal is, there are a few things you need to keep in mind that can make your desktop audit work.

Define the requirements for Windows audit

First of all, why do you audit the Windows configuration? 50% of any successful project-- audit or non-audit-- depends on reasonable expectations. In addition to ensuring that the right IT personnel are involved, you should also determine which or which non-IT personnel need to check the desktop environment.

Human resources, legal, regulatory compliance and internal auditors should be taken into account. To take into account more stringent requirements than the current business, representatives from these areas have a say in login advertising, local security policies, software licenses, audit logging, and so on. Even salespeople and customer service have a say in desktop configuration.

All affected parties need to be asked. Some people may think you're crazy, and they think that "desktop auditing is an IT thing." So let them know how software auditing affects the entire organization, and how their assistance in the decision-making process affects the long-term business.

Learn about your enterprise system

I know what it is. You can't audit what you don't know. It is easy to ignore some desktop systems, such as those that belong to salespeople, remote offices, or warehouses. However, if you want to get an accurate picture of current Windows desktop usage, you eventually need to cover all aspects.

Start with your network topology. From a network port scanner such as a nmap or SoftPerfect network scanner, check which hosts are dynamic. Just don't forget those networks that are not accessed directly through the local area network. Poor desktop audits tend to forget systems that are not particularly obvious, but these systems should usually be under the control of IT.

Use security vulnerability assessment. If you are performing regular vulnerability scans or have more formal internal security assessments, you will get a lot of information at your disposal. You can use the information in the vulnerability scanner report to analyze existing desktop conditions and trends over time, such as what has changed and which has not changed. and other significant improvements (such as the need for third-party patch management and local security policies). If you are running a scan with a visa, more tools like Nexpose and LanGuard can provide amazing insight and validation information about the Windows system runtime.

Remember, desktop auditing is not secure.

Of course, security is actually a top priority for almost all Windows desktops, and continuous security reviews do complement your desktop audit. But there are many more, including collecting software license information to ensure compliance, whether the version of the operating system conforms to the upgrade plan, and monitoring application usage to ensure consistency and support.

In addition, it is also a good idea to have enterprise system inventory on a regular basis (such as those related to BYOD policies). The more information you know about the environment, the better decisions you can make and better implement.

Windows configuration is a dynamic task

Most people are far behind the pace of technological change. Don't think of Windows desktop auditing as an one-time job. Imagine that decisions in your personal life or everything in your business depends on an one-off snapshot of information all the year round. Desktop audits should be part of your ongoing IT plan, perhaps once a year, perhaps in conjunction with regular vulnerability assessments.

The more time you spend making sure your Windows configuration is reasonable before starting a desktop audit, the more likely you will be to improve your productivity and reduce unnecessary hassle. Start with a small software audit, especially if you've never done an audit before. Build your audit project and toolset, and Windows desktop audit will be another IT feature that works well.

A successful Windows audit can help IT administrators optimize workstation configuration, improve security, and simplify system management.

What are the above points for attention in performing a Windows desktop audit? have you learned any knowledge or skills? If you want to learn more skills or enrich your knowledge reserve, you are welcome to follow the industry information channel.

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