The importance of IT Security Metrics

Just like any other aspect of a company, including IT security must be measured. Without such measurement, the company can not know with certainty whether the system built for IT security is very efficient as it should be. Precisely for this reason there is a need for IT security metrics to be implemented.

In its simplest form, there are a number of levels in which it security metrics can be obtained in the company or organization. But what usually happens here is that metrics are gathered up at the system level. Depending on the requirements and the size of the company or organization, these parameters are then moved upward on higher levels. Regardless of how detailed these metrics are moved upward, all that remains is the fact that IT security metrics must be based on the objectives and performance targets achieved by IT security.

If you're wondering just how security metrics can monitor the progress of these goals and objectives to be accomplished, it is actually quite simple. It is through the quantification of certain aspects related to the process. These aspects include security controls implemented and the effectiveness of such controls, the analysis of some of the activities carried out adequate security has been, and the identification of appropriate courses of action directed towards the improvement. All these aspects should be quantified so that the realization of these goals and objectives would be achieved in the long run. Besides these, the goals and objectives of other aspects of the organization must be determined and added to the list of priorities as well. This should be done so that all the measurable factors of safety performance will be guided accordingly, with the operational priorities of the society in mind. These factors include measurable goals and objectives of the legislation, federal regulations and guidelines, both external and internal.

It is very difficult to compare data collected if not quantifiable because it is through the use of quantifiable data that unbiased comparisons would be made. What's more, no quantifiable data, it would be very difficult to use the formulas appropriate and necessary for further data analysis. In addition to being quantifiable data, the process used in the analysis of these data must be measured as well.

Besides being quantifiable security metrics must be accurate in monitoring the overall performance of the company, so as to direct its funds and resources accordingly. For IT security metrics to be useful, they should have the ability to determine and predict future trends in performance. In this way, the company can find the much needed solutions to meet the future needs that would have occurred.

There is no doubt about the use of security metrics is very useful. There are many benefits of organizing this effort. First, the data actually allows board members to determine specific controls that are not applied properly. These controls may be operational, technical, or managerial in nature. With the implementation of IT security metrics, these are determined more easily....