Most IT leaders have heard it: “You need a network audit to stay secure.” And for many organizations, that’s still true. But in 2025, with cloud-first tools and SaaS driving more business than ever, it’s worth asking: Is a traditional network audit always the right answer—or is there a simpler, more effective approach?
Editor’s Note (2025 Update):
When we first published this article back in 2017, business networks looked very different. Firewalls and on-premises infrastructure were the backbone of most companies’ security strategies, and a thorough network audit was an essential best practice.
Today, so much has changed. The rise of cloud computing, SaaS adoption, and hybrid work means your “network” often isn’t just a collection of cables and servers anymore. In fact, the perimeter you need to protect is likely your people, devices, and data—wherever they are.
That’s why we’re updating this post: not to say that network audits are no longer important, but to help you decide whether your business really needs a traditional network—and if there’s a smarter way to stay secure and compliant in 2025 and beyond.
Who Still Needs a Traditional Network Audit?
If your business runs on physical networks—think hospitality, healthcare, multi-site retail, or any operation where reliable Wi-Fi, firewalls, and on-premises servers are essential—a network audit is more than a checkbox. It’s how you:
- Uncover hidden vulnerabilities that could lead to breaches or downtime.
- Ensure compliance with strict industry standards (PCI DSS, HIPAA, and others).
- Optimize performance for guest networks, point-of-sale systems, and more.
- Reduce surprises by proactively finding and fixing issues before they impact your business.
If you’re in this camp, a network audit isn’t just a good idea—it’s a critical investment in business continuity and security. At Next Perimeter, we help you get maximum value from the process, combining deep technical expertise with a practical approach to securing your network infrastructure.
But… Do You Even Need a Traditional Network Anymore?
For many growing businesses, the way we work has fundamentally changed:
- Teams are remote or hybrid.
- The apps that matter most live in the cloud (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, SaaS CRMs).
- Sensitive data is shared across devices and locations—not just inside an office.
If this sounds like your organization, you may be maintaining legacy network hardware and complexity that no longer fits your business model. In fact, the traditional network “perimeter” isn’t where your risk really lives anymore.
The Hidden Cost of Old-School Networks
Many SaaS-powered teams are surprised by how much time and budget is spent managing networks that don’t support their modern needs:
- Firewalls and VPNs become friction points for remote users.
- Complex audits eat up resources but don’t address today’s real threats (like account takeover, SaaS misconfigurations, or device risk).
- Compliance audits for legacy networks can feel like a recurring headache—especially when the core of your business is in the cloud.
The Better Way: Cloud-Native Security for Modern Teams
If your workforce is cloud-first and your critical data lives in SaaS apps, you have a choice:
- Keep auditing networks you barely use—or
- Modernize your security with a cloud-native, identity-driven approach
With Next Perimeter’s SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) and Zero Trust frameworks, you can:
- Replace outdated firewalls and VPNs with cloud-delivered security.
- Protect your people, devices, and data—no matter where they work.
- Eliminate unnecessary complexity, audits, and surprise risks.
Our approach:
We start by helping you assess your entire attack surface—not just your old network, but your cloud environment, identities, and endpoints. We guide you through the transition, so you can spend less time on old problems and more time growing your business.
Not Sure Which Path Is Right for You?
If you depend on physical networks:
A thorough network audit remains essential, and we’re here to help.
If you’re ready to modernize:
There’s a better way to secure your team—without the network audit treadmill.
Wherever you are today, Next Perimeter can help you take the next step.
Ready to Find Out What You Really Need?
Book a free PERIMETER Score assessment with Next Perimeter. We’ll review your current environment—networks, cloud, devices, and identities—and help you determine whether your next audit should be your last.
You don’t have to choose between security and simplicity. Let’s build both—together.
