This article provides a list of key metrics that security teams should track to measure the effectiveness of their information security programs. These metrics are categorized into four main areas to provide a comprehensive view of an organization’s security posture.
The Four Categories of Metrics
1. Metrics for Security Vulnerability and Threat Management
These metrics focus on identifying, prioritizing, and remediating security weaknesses. They help teams understand how quickly they are addressing vulnerabilities and how resilient their systems are to known threats. Examples include:
- Mean Time to Detect (MTTD): The average time it takes to identify a security incident.
- Mean Time to Respond (MTTR): The average time it takes to contain and resolve a security incident.
- Patching Cadence: The frequency of applying security patches to systems.
- Number of Critical Vulnerabilities: The total count of high-severity vulnerabilities discovered.
2. Metrics for User Access and Identity Management
This category measures the security of user accounts and privileged access. These metrics are vital for preventing insider threats and unauthorized access. Examples include:
- MFA Adoption Rate: The percentage of users who have enabled Multi-Factor Authentication.
- Number of Inactive Accounts: The total count of user accounts that are no longer in use but still active.
- Privileged Account Activity: The frequency and nature of activity from high-privilege accounts.
3. Metrics for Security Awareness and Compliance
These metrics assess the effectiveness of security training and the organization’s adherence to regulatory requirements. Examples include:
- Phishing Simulation Success Rate: The percentage of employees who fail a simulated phishing test.
- Compliance Audit Findings: The number of non-compliance issues found during internal or external audits.
- Security Training Completion Rate: The percentage of employees who have completed mandatory security awareness training.
4. Metrics for Incident Response and Recovery
This final category measures the team’s ability to respond to and recover from a security breach. Examples include:
- Data Breach Cost: The total financial impact of a security incident.
- Backup Success Rate: The percentage of backups that are completed successfully.
- Time to Contain: The time it takes to stop a security incident from spreading.
Tracking these metrics provides a clear, data-driven view of an organization’s security posture, helping leaders make informed decisions and continuously improve their defenses.
About Graylog
At Graylog, our vision is a secure digital world where organizations of all sizes can effectively guard against cyber threats. We’re committed to turning this vision into reality by providing Threat Detection & Response that sets the standard for excellence. Our cloud-native architecture delivers SIEM, API Security, and Enterprise Log Management solutions that are not just efficient and effective—whether hosted by us, on-premises, or in your cloud—but also deliver a fantastic Analyst Experience at the lowest total cost of ownership. We aim to equip security analysts with the best tools for the job, empowering every organization to stand resilient in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.
About Version 2 Digital
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.
Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.
