US Patent 8484694 Systems and methods for performing remote configuration compliance assessment of a networked computer device

The disclosed principles describe systems and methods for assessing the policy compliance of a target device, wherein the assessment is performed by a scanning computer in communication with the target device via a communication network. By employing a system or method in accordance with the disclosed principles, distinct advantages are achieved. Specifically, conducting such a remote scan allows for the scanner computer to perform a remote scan of the remote device without installing client software to the remote device. Also, conducting a compliance assessment according to the disclosed principles allows for the target device to be assessed after policy updates and changes, without requiring the target device to be re-scanned. Thus, the disclosed principles reduce the need for internal IT resources to manage the assessment and updates of client configuration settings on the target device.