Abstract: A method of monitoring levels of security conformity and preparedness of a plurality of network connected computing machines, obtains a report by remotely scanning the machines in segments. The machines might already be connected to commercial security software and a patch dispenser. The report includes definition dates and any files quarantined by the commercial security software, patch-management-software communication present and the patches received. The method uses the report and software (not installed on the scanned machines) to produce a Network Security Scanner for Enterprise Protection output to perform a security-preparedness audit of the scanned machines. The audit non-intrusively ascertains. If the scanned machines conform to user-defined fields and policies, and assists in selective security updating of the machines. The scanning, unrecognized by the scanned machines may be configured to suit their OS, and done periodically as desired. A computer readable medium executing the method is included.

Abstract: A method of monitoring levels of security conformity and preparedness of a plurality of network connected computing machines, obtains a report by remotely scanning the machines in segments. The machines might already be connected to commercial security software and a patch dispenser. The report includes definition dates and any files quarantined by the commercial security software, patch-management-software communication present and the patches received. The method uses the report and software (not installed on the scanned machines) to produce a Network Security Scanner for Enterprise Protection output to perform a security-preparedness audit of the scanned machines. The audit non-intrusively ascertains. If the scanned machines conform to user-defined fields and policies, and assists in selective security updating of the machines. The scanning, unrecognized by the scanned machines may be configured to suit their OS, and done periodically as desired. A computer readable medium executing the method is included.