What are Security Metrics metrics? Crafting the perfect Security Metrics 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 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 metrics and KPIs 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. 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. 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. 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. Annual Sales Volume The total quantity of plastic products sold within a year
What good looks like for this metric: 10,000 MT in 2025, increasing to 50,000 MT by 2035
Ideas to improve this metric Expand market reach through marketing Increase product quality to boost sales Enhance sales team training and incentives Identify and target key industries needing plastic Collaborate with international partners 2. Production Yield The percentage of produced items that meet quality standards
What good looks like for this metric: 95% in 2025, aiming for 99% by 2035
Ideas to improve this metric Implement quality checks at each production phase Invest in modern machinery and technology Train employees on quality control processes Conduct regular maintenance on equipment Incorporate lean manufacturing practices 3. Customer Retention Rate The percentage of customers who continue to buy over time
What good looks like for this metric: 80% in 2025, increasing to 95% by 2035
Ideas to improve this metric Enhance customer service and support Implement a loyalty program Regularly seek customer feedback for improvements Offer personalized deals and discounts Ensure high product quality and consistency 4. Cost per Metric Tonne (MT) The cost incurred to produce one metric tonne of plastic
What good looks like for this metric: 10% reduction by 2026, aiming for 20% reduction by 2035
Ideas to improve this metric Streamline procurement processes Negotiate better deals with suppliers Optimize production scheduling for efficiency Minimize waste during production Utilize energy-efficient machinery 5. Training Hours per Employee The average number of hours each employee spends in training annually
What good looks like for this metric: 20 hours in 2025, increasing to 60 hours by 2035
Ideas to improve this metric Develop a comprehensive training calendar Encourage online and external training sessions Introduce mentorship programs Link training to career development plans Utilize technology for training modules
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Tracking your Security Metrics 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
The best metrics for Threat and Incident Analysis