However, without clear benchmarks, assessing the effectiveness of these measures can feel like shooting in the dark. This is where cybersecurity metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) come into play.
In 2025, tracking the right metrics and KPIs will help organizations improve their cybersecurity posture and provide critical insights into their Vendor Risk Management (VRM) programs.
What Are Cybersecurity Metrics & KPIs?
Cybersecurity metrics and KPIs are quantifiable indicators used to measure an organization’s cybersecurity performance. They help stakeholders assess the effectiveness of security policies, identify vulnerabilities, and track progress over time.
- Cybersecurity Metrics: These are specific, detailed measurements such as the number of malware detections, the average time to detect threats, or the percentage of systems with up-to-date patches.
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): KPIs are broader, outcome-driven indicators tied to organizational goals. Examples include the reduction in successful phishing attempts or the percentage of third-party vendors compliant with security standards.
Why Are Information Security Metrics Important?
Understanding the distinction between cybersecurity and information security is vital. While cybersecurity focuses on protecting systems, networks, and data from cyberattacks, information security encompasses safeguarding all forms of sensitive information, whether digital or physical.
Information security metrics transform raw data into actionable insights. Metrics provide visibility into an organization’s vulnerabilities, strengths, and weaknesses—allowing you to make data-driven decisions.
Tracking cybersecurity metrics is crucial because:
- Metrics provide a clear understanding of potential threats and vulnerabilities, enabling organizations to prioritize mitigation efforts.
- Industries like finance must adhere to strict regulations. Tracking metrics ensures compliance and reduces the risk of penalties.
- Data-driven insights empower leadership to make informed decisions about security investments.
- With an increasing reliance on third-party vendors, monitoring cybersecurity KPIs ensures these partnerships do not become weak links.
Cybersecurity KPIs to Track in Vendor Risk Management
Vendor risk management (VRM) is a critical component of any cybersecurity strategy. Below are examples of clear KPIs and metrics you can track and present to your stakeholders to demonstrate your Vendor Risk Management efforts.
1) Level of preparedness
This measures how well an organization is equipped to prevent, detect, and respond to cybersecurity threats, including the readiness of its technology, processes, and people.
helps identify gaps in defenses and ensures an organization can act quickly when threats arise, reducing potential damage.
2) Unidentified devices on internal networks
The quantity of devices or internal networks in an organization’s infrastructure that have not been adequately identified or cataloged is referred to as “unidentified devices on internal networks.” They pose a significant security risk as they create entry points for cyber attackers.
3) Intrusion attempts
This measures the number of attempted breaches or unauthorized access events aimed at an organization’s networks or systems.
Tracking this KPI provides an overview of the frequency and severity of threats targeting an organization, allowing CISOs and security teams to strengthen cybersecurity strategies where needed.
4) Security incidents
Security incidents refer to any event that compromises the integrity, confidentiality, or availability of an organization’s information systems. Monitoring this helps organizations understand their exposure to threats and the effectiveness of incident response processes.
5) Mean Time to Detect (MTTD)
MTTD is a crucial metric for determining the efficiency of your organization’s threat detection and response capabilities should a third-party vendor become compromised.
6) Mean Time to Contain (MTTC)
Mean Time to Contain (MTTC) measures the average time it takes to contain a security threat and prevent it from spreading across systems or networks. Quick containment is crucial to minimizing damage and limiting the scope of an attack.
7) Access management
Access management measures how well an organization controls and monitors user access to sensitive systems and data. Strong access management reduces the risk of unauthorized access and helps protect sensitive information.
8) Company vs peer performance
Comparing your company’s cybersecurity strategy and security performance to those of your competitors in the same industry can reveal areas that need improvement. You can identify best practices, prioritize areas that require attention, and assess your position in the industry by comparing your performance to that of your peers.
9) Vendor patching cadence
Vendor patching cadence tracks how frequently and consistently an organization’s third-party vendors apply patches and updates to fix vulnerabilities. Ensuring vendors follow a comprehensive patching process is critical to minimizing third-party vulnerabilities.
10) Mean time for vendor incident response
The efficiency of your vendors’ incident response is important for minimizing the risk of data breaches. The longer it takes vendors to respond to incidents, the higher the chance you will suffer from a third-party data breach.
How to Choose the Right Cybersecurity Metrics for Your VRM Program
Selecting the right metrics for your VRM program requires a tailored approach. Choose metrics that directly support your company’s objectives and risk tolerance.
Metrics should highlight areas for improvement and guide decision-making. You can also leverage industry benchmarks to compare your metrics against industry standards.
Conclusion
In 2025, organizations must prioritize tracking cybersecurity metrics and KPIs to safeguard their digital assets and maintain stakeholder trust.
By focusing on actionable insights and aligning metrics with organizational goals, companies can proactively address vulnerabilities and adapt to the ever-changing threat landscape.
At CyberShield IT, we’re committed to helping businesses strengthen their cybersecurity strategies with innovative solutions like ITShield, Cloud Shield, and Audit Shield.
Connect with our team today!
