If you’re just starting to build your cybersecurity program, you’ll likely face the temptation of vanity metrics—those shiny numbers that look impressive on slides but offer little practical insight. Over my recent years in cybersecurity, I’ve seen how easy it is to fall into this trap. Sure, having lots of stats feels productive, but ask yourself: do these numbers genuinely help you manage risk?
I often remind myself, “Don’t mistake motion for progress.” Just because you have data doesn’t mean it’s useful. Metrics should clearly highlight issues, enabling you to make proactive, informed decisions.
Steer Clear of Vanity Metrics
Vanity metrics are appealing because they’re easy to collect and look impressive, but they rarely show your actual security posture. Instead, prioritize metrics that truly reflect your organization’s security health and highlight actionable areas for improvement.
Good Starter KPIs to Measure
When establishing metrics, resist the urge to measure everything at once. Start with these key performance indicators (KPIs):
- Patching SLAs: Your patching SLAs should be clearly outlined in your Patching and Configuration Management policy. Unpatched systems act like unlocked doors or windows—easy ways for attackers to gain access. Tracking your patching SLA performance reveals how effectively your team is reducing vulnerabilities.
- Phishing Click Rates: People are often the weakest link. Phishing attacks frequently serve as entry points for adversaries. Monitoring how frequently employees click on simulated phishing emails helps you assess overall security awareness. Regular training and tests will reduce these clicks over time.
- Incident Response Times: This metric tracks how quickly your team identifies and mitigates security incidents. Fast responses limit damage and speed up recovery, making this KPI crucial for your overall cybersecurity resilience.
Metrics Should Tell a Clear Story
Good metrics aren’t just about numbers—they’re about storytelling. Imagine your cybersecurity metrics as a car’s dashboard, providing essential information like speed, fuel level, and engine temperature at a glance. Each metric should clearly show stakeholders what’s working and where attention is needed.
For instance, presenting trends in vulnerability management can demonstrate whether your program is improving or slipping. Likewise, clearly displaying phishing test results can pinpoint areas where more employee training might be required.
Dashboards vs. One-Pagers: Choosing the Best Option
There’s no universal “best” format—it depends on the audience and the context:
- Dashboards: These are great for real-time, actionable insights. Teams can use dashboards to quickly adjust operations without waiting for formal reports, making them ideal for agile security management.
- One-Pagers: These documents excel at summarizing detailed, periodic insights. One-pagers are perfect for tracking funded initiatives, demonstrating long-term progress, and clearly communicating strategic assessments. They’re especially helpful for building a formal record if challenging decisions or incidents arise.
As cybersecurity professionals, our job isn’t just to secure funding; it’s to clearly communicate risks and opportunities to our business partners, helping them make informed decisions about resource allocation.
Deciding How Often to Report
Choosing reporting frequency comes down to:
- Timeliness: Reports need to arrive in time to inform action effectively.
- Change Rate: If metrics rarely fluctuate, frequent reporting may not add value.
- Leadership Rhythm: Align your reports with leadership and business cycles to maximize visibility and relevance.
Typically, monthly or quarterly reporting is best for operational metrics, while strategic overviews are well-suited to annual or semi-annual schedules.
Celebrate Early Wins
When launching your cybersecurity program, focus on quick wins to build early momentum. Small, achievable goals can boost morale and demonstrate immediate value. Balance these quick wins with larger, more strategic initiatives, clearly communicating their impact as they come to fruition.
Effective cybersecurity metrics aren’t about flashy numbers—they’re about meaningful insights that drive better risk management. Keep this principle in mind, and you’ll set your program on a solid path to genuine security improvement.
