What are Security Analyst metrics? Crafting the perfect Security Analyst 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 Analyst 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 Analyst 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. Mean Time to Detect (MTTD) The average time taken to identify a security threat or performance issue.
What good looks like for this metric: Typically less than 24 hours
Ideas to improve this metric Implement continuous monitoring systems Use automated alert systems Regularly update threat intelligence Train staff for rapid response Conduct regular security audits 2. Mean Time to Recovery (MTTR) The average time needed to recover from a security breach or system performance issue.
What good looks like for this metric: Often less than 5 hours
Ideas to improve this metric Develop a comprehensive incident response plan Invest in reliable backup solutions Conduct disaster recovery drills Enhance system redundancy Use AI-driven analytics for faster issue resolution 3. System Uptime Percentage The percentage of time the system is operational and available.
What good looks like for this metric: Above 99.9%
Ideas to improve this metric Regular system maintenance Implement failover strategies Use load balancing Monitor server health continuously Upgrade hardware periodically 4. Incident Rate The number of security or performance incidents detected within a specified period.
What good looks like for this metric: Fewer than 5 per month
Ideas to improve this metric Strengthen access control policies Adopt advanced security software Enhance employee training programs Regularly test for vulnerabilities Improve system configurations 5. Vulnerability Remediation Time The time taken to fix identified vulnerabilities in the system.
What good looks like for this metric: Under 30 days
Ideas to improve this metric Prioritise vulnerability patches Automate patch management Regularly update software Establish a dedicated security team Use vulnerability scanning tools continuously
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1. Time to Triage The average time taken to assess and categorize a security alert once it is received.
What good looks like for this metric: 1-2 hours
Ideas to improve this metric Automate initial alert categorization Train staff on efficient triage process Implement clear triage protocols Regularly review triage processes Utilize prioritization tools 2. False Positive Rate The percentage of security alerts that were incorrectly flagged as threats.
What good looks like for this metric: Under 10%
Ideas to improve this metric Refine detection rules and algorithms Regularly update threat intelligence Enhance user training on alert interpretation Increase context provided with alerts Engage in regular false positive audits 3. Alert Volume by Severity The number of security alerts received categorized by severity level (informational, low, medium, high).
What good looks like for this metric: Varies by organization size
Ideas to improve this metric Optimise threat detection thresholds Enhance network traffic analysis Implement targeted monitoring Use data aggregation tools Evaluate alert relevance regularly 4. Incident Resolution Time The time taken from triaging an alert to resolving the underlying security threat.
What good looks like for this metric: 4-8 hours
Ideas to improve this metric Set clear response protocols Utilize automated resolution tools Conduct regular training sessions Ensure scalable resources Engage in post-incident analyses 5. Alert Re-assignment Rate The percentage of alerts that must be reassigned due to incorrect initial triage.
What good looks like for this metric: Under 5%
Ideas to improve this metric Provide comprehensive training for triagers Establish clear escalation pathways Use specialised triage teams Regularly assess alert primacy guidelines Conduct bi-annual skill assessments
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1. Incident Detection Time The time taken from the moment a threat is detected to the initiation of an incident response
What good looks like for this metric: Typically less than 15 minutes
Ideas to improve this metric Implement automated alerting systems Conduct regular threat hunting exercises Enhance staff training on threat identification Integrate with advanced threat intelligence platforms Utilise machine learning for anomaly detection 2. Containment Time The duration between detection and containment of a threat to minimise its spread and impact
What good looks like for this metric: Ideally under 30 minutes
Ideas to improve this metric Automate endpoint isolation procedures Improve network segmentation Establish predefined incident response playbooks Regularly test response strategies Foster collaboration between IT and security teams 3. False Positive Rate The percentage of alerts that are incorrectly identified as threats
What good looks like for this metric: Should be below 5%
Ideas to improve this metric Refine rule sets and detection algorithms Incorporate feedback loops to learn from past alerts Leverage threat intelligence feeds Enhance contextual information in alerts Invest in more precise detection technologies 4. Number of Lateral Movement Attempts Counts of attempts by threats to move laterally within a network after initial access
What good looks like for this metric: Ideally zero attempts
Ideas to improve this metric Deploy micro-segmentation techniques Monitor for unusual access patterns Strengthen user privilege controls Use lateral movement detection tools Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing 5. Incident Recovery Time The time required to fully restore systems and operations post-incident
What good looks like for this metric: Within 24 hours for minor incidents
Ideas to improve this metric Maintain regular backups and restore procedures Invest in resilient infrastructure Document and streamline recovery processes Facilitate cross-department cooperation Regularly update and test recovery plans
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1. Migration Completion Rate The percentage of iOS devices successfully migrated to Microsoft Intune
What good looks like for this metric: 90-95%
Ideas to improve this metric Develop a detailed migration plan Conduct pilot testing before full rollout Ensure adequate training for IT staff Engage in continuous monitoring and feedback Allocate sufficient resources for the project 2. Post-Migration Device Performance Measure the performance of devices post-migration, focusing on speed and application responsiveness
What good looks like for this metric: Performance increase of 10-20%
Ideas to improve this metric Optimize device settings during migration Update applications to the latest versions Conduct regular performance assessments Encourage employee feedback for improvements Monitor and address any reported issues promptly 3. Security Incident Reduction Track the number of security incidents after migration compared to before
What good looks like for this metric: Reduction of incidents by 30%
Ideas to improve this metric Enhance device security configurations Educate users about security best practices Implement regular security audits Continuous monitoring for any anomalies Use threat intelligence platforms 4. User Satisfaction Score Survey scores from users regarding their satisfaction with the new system
What good looks like for this metric: 70% satisfaction rate
Ideas to improve this metric Conduct user training sessions Offer a user-friendly interface Provide efficient troubleshooting support Incorporate user feedback into improvements Continuously update support materials 5. Network Access Success Rate The percentage of successful network access attempts post-migration
What good looks like for this metric: Above 95%
Ideas to improve this metric Ensure seamless network integration Update network policies for Intune compatibility Test network access at regular intervals Implement redundancy measures Provide support for network connectivity issues
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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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1. Customer Acquisition Cost The cost associated with acquiring a new customer, including marketing and sales expenses.
What good looks like for this metric: Typically, around 5-15% of product cost
Ideas to improve this metric Optimise marketing channels Improve sales funnel efficiency Enhance targeting with data analytics Utilise referral programmes Reduce onboarding costs 2. Conversion Rate The percentage of potential customers who take a desired action compared to total visitors.
What good looks like for this metric: 3-5% is typical for many industries
Ideas to improve this metric Optimise website for user experience Create compelling calls-to-action Use A/B testing on landing pages Strengthen value propositions Offer limited-time promotions 3. Churn Rate The rate at which customers stop subscribing to a service within a given time frame.
What good looks like for this metric: Around 5-7% per month for SaaS companies
Ideas to improve this metric Enhance customer support services Regularly update and improve product features Gather and act on user feedback Implement loyalty programmes Proactively engage with customers 4. Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) The average revenue generated per user over a specific time frame.
What good looks like for this metric: Varies widely, typically around $50-150 annually for SMEs
Ideas to improve this metric Upsell additional features Introduce tiered pricing models Reduce user churn Enhance product value Increase pricing strategically 5. Lifetime Value (LTV) The total revenue a business expects from a customer over the lifetime of their relationship.
What good looks like for this metric: Should be 3 times higher than CAC
Ideas to improve this metric Increase customer retention rates Improve customer feedback processes Expand customer service offerings Augment product bundles Enhance cross-selling strategies
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Tracking your Security Analyst 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.
More metrics recently published We have more examples to help you below.
Planning resources OKRs are a great way to translate strategies into measurable goals. Here are a list of resources to help you adopt the OKR framework:
Tability's check-ins will save you hours and increase transparency
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