What are It Security metrics? Crafting the perfect It 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 It 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 It 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. 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 It Security metrics Having a plan is one thing, sticking to it is another.
Setting good strategies is only the first challenge. The hard part is to avoid distractions and make sure that you commit to the plan. A simple weekly ritual will greatly increase the chances of success.
A tool like Tability can also help you by combining AI and goal-setting to keep you on track.
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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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