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Examples of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in Cyber Security and Information Security

Exhibit six significant key performance indicators (KPIs) in the realm of cyber security and information security, proficient for demonstrating cyber risk and security performance to non-technical individuals.

Examples of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in Cyber Security and Information Security
Examples of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in Cyber Security and Information Security

Examples of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in Cyber Security and Information Security

The Bitsight Security Rating is a valuable tool for assessing an organization's security posture. This third-party evaluation, easily understood by individuals with non-technical backgrounds, provides a clear, A-F grade for an organization's security performance.

One of the key indicators measured by Bitsight is the Mean Time to Detect (MTTD), which signifies the average time it takes a cybersecurity team to become aware of a potential security incident. Long MTTD timeframes can indicate an increased risk of threat actors accessing sensitive data.

Mean Time to Resolve (MTTR), another important metric, measures the time it takes to remediate a threat after it has been discovered. If MTTR times are increasing, it may suggest that more resources are needed to mitigate cyber threats.

The Bitsight Security Ratings Platform also offers insights into specific risk vectors, such as patching cadence. A good patching cadence grade demonstrates proactive steps to prevent cyber attacks and data breaches, while a poor grade should be addressed promptly.

Phishing tests success rate can act as a KPI for user-related cybersecurity efforts. In 2017, phishing was the third most common action variety in data breaches, highlighting the importance of monitoring this metric. An indicator of what percentage of employees are falling for phishing attempts gives a sense of the human-related risk an organization faces.

The Bitsight Security Ratings Platform provides average security ratings for entire industries. Seeing the average security rating of one's industry can help contextualize one's cybersecurity performance. Doing much worse than the industry average indicates increased resources and attention are needed for cybersecurity. Conversely, doing much better than the industry average demonstrates a mature cybersecurity program.

These KPIs can be used to communicate cybersecurity performance to non-technical personnel. For instance, the Bitsight Security Rating can be a key performance indicator (KPI) for asking for additional funding for security awareness training. If an organization's rating is poor, it can be used to justify the need for improved resources and training.

In conclusion, understanding and tracking these cybersecurity KPIs is crucial for any organization looking to improve its security posture and protect against potential threats. By regularly checking good KPIs and addressing areas of concern, organizations can work towards a more secure future.

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