What are Security metrics? Crafting the perfect Security metrics can feel overwhelming, particularly when you're juggling daily responsibilities. That's why we've put together a collection of examples to spark your inspiration.
Copy these examples into your preferred app, or you can also use Tability to keep yourself accountable.
Find Security metrics with AI While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here. You can use our free AI metrics generator below to generate your own strategies.
Examples of Security metrics and KPIs 1. Device Compliance Rate Measures the percentage of devices that meet compliance requirements for security standards.
What good looks like for this metric: 95% compliance rate
Ideas to improve this metric Conduct regular compliance audits Update security policies frequently Train employees on compliance requirements Automate compliance checks Use endpoint protection software 2. Threat Detection Time The average time taken to detect a security threat on an end-user device.
What good looks like for this metric: Under 24 hours
Ideas to improve this metric Implement real-time monitoring Utilise AI-powered threat detection tools Regularly update threat databases Conduct regular security tests Enable fast response procedures 3. Patch Management Timeliness The average time taken to apply security patches to end-user devices.
What good looks like for this metric: Within 72 hours
Ideas to improve this metric Automate patch deployment Schedule regular update checks Prioritise critical patches Maintain a patch inventory Verify patch installations regularly 4. Data Encryption Rate The percentage of end-user devices that have encryption enabled for data storage.
What good looks like for this metric: 100% encryption rate
Ideas to improve this metric Enforce encryption policies Provide encryption tools Train users on encryption benefits Audit encryption compliance Utilise full-disk encryption solutions 5. Incident Response Rate Measures the effectiveness and speed of response when a security incident occurs.
What good looks like for this metric: 90% incidents resolved within 48 hours
Ideas to improve this metric Establish a dedicated response team Develop a detailed incident response plan Run regular incident response drills Utilise automated incident detection systems Review response procedures post-incident
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1. Vulnerability Density Measures the number of vulnerabilities per thousand lines of code. It helps to identify vulnerable areas in the codebase that need attention.
What good looks like for this metric: 0-1 vulnerabilities per KLOC
Ideas to improve this metric Conduct regular code reviews Use static analysis tools Implement secure coding practices Provide security training for developers Perform security-focused testing 2. Mean Time to Resolve Vulnerabilities (MTTR) The average time it takes to resolve vulnerabilities from the time they are identified.
What good looks like for this metric: Less than 30 days
Ideas to improve this metric Prioritise vulnerabilities based on severity Automate vulnerability management processes Allocate dedicated resources for vulnerability remediation Establish a clear vulnerability response process Regularly monitor and report on MTTR 3. Percentage of Code Covered by Security Testing The proportion of the codebase that is covered by security tests, helping to ensure code is thoroughly tested for vulnerabilities.
What good looks like for this metric: 90% or higher
Ideas to improve this metric Increase the frequency of security tests Use automated security testing tools Integrate security tests into the CI/CD pipeline Regularly update and expand test cases Provide training on writing effective security tests 4. Number of Security Incidents The total count of security incidents, including breaches, detected within a given period.
What good looks like for this metric: Zero incidents
Ideas to improve this metric Implement continuous monitoring Conduct regular penetration testing Deploy intrusion detection systems Educate employees on security best practices Establish a strong incident response plan 5. False Positive Rate of Security Tools The percentage of security alerts that are not true threats, which can lead to resource wastage and alert fatigue.
What good looks like for this metric: Less than 5%
Ideas to improve this metric Regularly update security tool configurations Train security teams to properly interpret alerts Use machine learning to improve tool accuracy Combine multiple security tools for better context Implement regular reviews of alerts to refine rules
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1. Data quality score Represents the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of data. Calculated by evaluating data against predefined quality criteria.
What good looks like for this metric: 95% or higher
Ideas to improve this metric Implement data validation rules Conduct regular data quality audits Utilise data cleansing tools Ensure consistent data entry procedures Provide regular training for data handlers 2. Compliance rate Measures the percentage of data processes in compliance with relevant regulations and policies.
What good looks like for this metric: 98% or higher
Ideas to improve this metric Establish clear data governance policies Regularly review and update compliance guidelines Implement automated compliance monitoring tools Conduct periodic compliance training Schedule regular internal audits 3. Data breach incidents Tracks the number of data breaches or security incidents within a specified period.
What good looks like for this metric: Zero breaches
Ideas to improve this metric Strengthen data security protocols Conduct regular vulnerability assessments Use encryption for sensitive data Implement multi-factor authentication Train employees on security best practices 4. Data access control Measures the effectiveness of access controls by tracking unauthorised access attempts.
What good looks like for this metric: Less than 2% unauthorised attempts
Ideas to improve this metric Regularly review and update access control policies Implement role-based access control Monitor and log access attempts Conduct regular access audits Use secure authentication methods 5. Data retention adherence Assesses how closely data retention practices align with data governance policies.
What good looks like for this metric: 100% adherence
Ideas to improve this metric Develop and communicate clear data retention policies Implement automated data retention tools Regularly review data retention schedules Conduct training on data retention practices Monitor and enforce compliance with retention policies
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Tracking your Security metrics Having a plan is one thing, sticking to it is another.
Don't fall into the set-and-forget trap. It is important to adopt a weekly check-in process to keep your strategy agile – otherwise this is nothing more than a reporting exercise.
A tool like Tability can also help you by combining AI and goal-setting to keep you on track.
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