Site Survey

Site Survey Definition
A site survey in cybersecurity evaluates a network for risks, vulnerabilities, and areas for improvement. Surveys can include checking wireless networks, physical inspections of devices and hardware, or vulnerability testing of digital systems. Security teams often run site surveys before launching a new network, during upgrades, or as part of regular security checks for compliance.
How Site Surveys Work in Cybersecurity
Site surveys can be carried out by an in-house or external security team. The survey team inspects the network’s layout, tests for weaknesses, and collects performance data. They identify coverage issues, unsecured equipment, and vulnerabilities. They then recommend changes to strengthen network security and reliability.
Types of Site Survey
- Physical site survey: Tests the hardware side of the network. This includes checking equipment like routers and switches for placement, condition, and vulnerabilities. These surveys ensure physical systems are protected against tampering.
- Network site survey: Looks at the digital side of network infrastructure, including device software and firewall rules. It checks for open ports, weak security measures, and misconfigurations that could allow unauthorized access or leave parts of the network exposed.
- Wireless site survey: Focuses on Wi-Fi coverage, signal strength, and interference, to decide where to place network equipment. It spots weak zones that attackers could exploit to gain unauthorized access (for example, if a rogue device or access point is added to the network). Wireless site surveys can be passive, active, or predictive. This means they either listen to Wi-Fi signals, test performance by sending traffic, or use software models to predict coverage.
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FAQ
A site survey in cybersecurity is an assessment of a network to identify risks, vulnerabilities, and technical issues. It examines factors like Wi-Fi coverage, signal strength, interference, router or access point placement, and configuration weaknesses.
The purpose of a site survey in cybersecurity is to evaluate a network’s performance and security before deployment or during upgrades. They can also be used to meet compliance standards or as part of regular hygiene checks.
Surveying in cybersecurity means assessing a network or system to spot risks, vulnerabilities, and performance issues. It involves checking the Wi-Fi coverage, hardware setup, and testing configurations to strengthen security. IT teams and security professionals use site surveys to keep networks reliable and safe.
