Anything that can't be adequately measured can't be correctly valued.

Therefore, the proper security measures implemented in an organization have to be measurable. But, how do you measure cybersecurity? How do you present these measures to Senior Management or the Board of Directors?

The answer is "cyber security metrics".

What are Cybersecurity Metrics?

Cybersecurity metrics are tools used to measure the information security of an organization. These tools consist of rules and precepts that help gauge how well your company is doing in any chosen aspect of its cybersecurity goals.

Metrics are of varying kinds, depending on the information you want to learn about your organization's cybersecurity. They could show the level of cyber threats, the effectiveness of security measures, response time to threats, and the general risk level of the organization.

While IT professionals use cybersecurity metrics regularly to carry out their tasks, it can also help the management understand cybersecurity. But, you would need to present only select cybersecurity metrics in a story format that will interest these non-professionals.

Best Cybersecurity Metrics to Report to your Board/Management

There are loads of data processed through cybersecurity metrics to understand the state of cybersecurity in your organization. However, presenting all of this information would only succeed in boring board members.

Which cybersecurity metrics would help you capture the attention of your management?

·      Intrusion Attempts

This metric helps to remind management of the importance of cybersecurity. While you might already know it, members of the board might reason that the absence of successful attacks is the presence of none. Showing that the number of security threats will help keep the board on its toes with cybersecurity.

·      Mean Time to Detect/Resolve/Contain

Board members want to know that the funds spent on cybersecurity are worth the investment. Your mean time to detect, resolve, and contain cybersecurity threats will help show your team's effectiveness. You can also juxtapose your mean time against what was obtainable before to show improvements made. 

·      Security Update Implementation

Prevention is always better than seeking a cure, and your board members know it. Showing your level of preparation through the regular update of security patches and vulnerability scans proves to them that your security works. You can show your response time to the release of new patches.

·      Rating among Peers

Every business wants to compete favorably against other businesses in the industry. You can show your company's ratings in cybersecurity against other companies in your industry.

It will also help the board know if they are doing enough for cybersecurity. There are cybersecurity analysis tools that can help you generate this metric anonymously.

·      Access Management

Insider threats are the biggest threats most organizations face, and the number keeps climbing. It is essential to show your board members how your team has managed access to the company's crucial data.

Show the board how data loss and theft are more likely to come from insiders. This metric will also help you secure their support when implementing modern prevention measures like a zero-trust framework.

In conclusion, cybersecurity metrics are essential to the cybersecurity team and management. Take your time to present the best cybersecurity metrics to your business executives in an easy-to-understand format.