As any IT specialist will tell you, there are plenty of ways you can add extra protection to your company’s systems and processes.

From installing new firewalls to strengthening your passwords and setting up two factor authentication across your accounts, there is a seemingly endless list of preventative measures you can take to make sure your data remains secure, and your systems remain uncompromised.

But implementing the right tools and processes is only half the battle. You need to measure the impact that these solutions are having on your security setup over time. Plus, you must be able to communicate your IT security performance metrics to everyone in your team – including your board, who may only have a limited knowledge of the tech that’s in place across your business (and why it’s crucial to your operations).

What cybersecurity metrics should you be tracking?

Here, we’ve highlighted five of the most important key performance indicators (KPIs) that can help you understand how effective and efficient your security efforts really are.

For more information on how to track any of the below metrics, or to discuss your IT security requirements with one of our experienced consultants, contact ECOM UK today.

1. Incident rates
Every security incident is a potential attack on your system. From failed login attempts and modified firewall settings to unauthorised installations and changes to database tables, there are lots of incidents that can spell disaster for your IT if left unchecked – and all of them will be logged within your chosen anti-virus software, ready for you to review. It’s a good idea to check both the frequency and severity of your security incidents on a regular basis. If you’re investing in the right tech, your incidents should reduce over time; if they are in fact increasing, it could be time to change tact.

2. Detected intrusion attempts
Whenever you receive an ‘intrusion attempt’ message, this means that your endpoint security software is working properly. So, in a way, these messages will prove to your leadership team that the systems you have in place in are doing their job. However, it’s important to monitor detected intrusions and investigate any repeated attempts to gain access to your information or your network. Your IT department or provider will be able to review all alerts to spot behavioural patterns that could signify a weakness in your setup.

3. Vulnerability patch response times
Most of us know that our business software needs to be patched up when new vulnerabilities are discovered. But if your IT department or provider doesn’t install the latest updates as soon as they are available, your systems could be open to attack. Response times can vary, but the average time-to-remediation for a critical issue should be no longer than two weeks. Any cyclic updates released by software vendors – like Microsoft, for example, which releases a new set of patches every month – should be implemented straightaway.

4. Traffic data volumes
This isn’t a security metric, per se. However, if you notice that your network usage is increasing, you may need to upgrade your security to ensure your software and systems can cope with the extra traffic. This is a particularly useful metric for convincing your leadership team that they need to invest more in their cybersecurity!

5. Time taken to deactivate access from former employees
When somebody leaves your business, it’s vital that any accounts they have within your network are shut down straightaway, even if they left amicably. This should happen within 24 hours, if possible. Allowing former employees access to your company’s systems will put your sensitive information at risk and increase the likelihood of data breaches. Make sure your HR department communicates any staff changes as soon as they take place.