Key critical data points your cybersecurity dashboard should show to keep your organisation protected

Businesses must have a structured plan in place to safeguard sensitive information, avert data leaks, and identify potential cyberthreats. What gets measured gets improved, so it can be valuable to set key performance indicators (KPIs) around cybersecurity services. This can be a highly effective method for evaluating the efficiency of various initiatives, and can contribute to informed decision-making significantly.

Critical metrics for your dashboard

Your cybersecurity dashboard should not just be a tool for passive observation; it should be an active part of your cybersecurity strategy. You can empower your organisation to tackle digital security challenges preemptively by focusing on the following key data points:

1. Number of successful/attempted cyberattacks

Tracking the number of successful and attempted cyberattacks provides valuable insights into the volume of threats directed at your organisation and the effectiveness of your security measures in blocking these attacks. This metric helps prioritise security efforts and resource allocation.

Key considerations:

• How frequently are attacks occurring?
• What types of attacks are most common?
• How effective are current security measures in preventing breaches?

Action steps:

• Implement real-time monitoring to detect and respond to attacks swiftly.
• Regularly update and test security measures to adapt to evolving threats.

2. Types of cyberattacks

Understanding the types of cyberattacks targeting your organisation is crucial for developing an effective cybersecurity strategy. Identifying common attack vectors, such as phishing or malware, allows for targeted training and preventive measures.

Key considerations:

• Which attack types are most prevalent?
• How are different attack types being mitigated?
• What additional training or tools are needed to combat these attacks?

Action steps:

• Conduct regular training sessions on common attack vectors.
• Implement advanced threat detection tools to identify and mitigate different attack types.

3. Vulnerability scan results

Regular cybersecurity audits and vulnerability scans help identify potential weaknesses in systems and networks. Monitoring the results lets organisations address gaps promptly, maintaining the security integrity of the organisation’s infrastructure.

Key considerations:

• How often are vulnerability scans conducted?
• What is the protocol for addressing identified vulnerabilities?
• Are all systems and networks included in the scans?

Action steps:

• Schedule regular vulnerability scans across all systems.
• Develop a structured process for remediating identified vulnerabilities.

4. Endpoint security

Tracking metrics related to compromised endpoints helps protect systems and data from malware and other threats. This includes monitoring devices connected to the network and their security status.

Key considerations:

• How many endpoints are compromised currently?
• What measures are in place to protect endpoints?
• How quickly can compromised endpoints be isolated and secured?

Action steps:

• Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions.
• Regularly update endpoint security software to protect against new threats.

5. User behaviour

Monitoring user behaviour, such as suspicious logins or unusual data transfers, can help detect potential security incidents. Analysing user activities can provide early warnings of insider threats or compromised accounts.

Key considerations:

• What are the baseline behaviours for normal user activity?
• How are anomalies detected and investigated?
• Are users educated on safe behaviour and potential risks?

Action steps:

• Implement user behaviour analytics (UBA) tools.
• Conduct regular security awareness training for all users.

6. Incident response time

The speed at which an organisation responds to a security incident is critical to minimise damage and reduce the risk of data loss. Monitoring this metric ensures incident response procedures are effective.

Key considerations:

• What is the average incident response time?
• How does it compare to industry standards?
• Are there predefined procedures for different types of incidents?

Action steps:

• Conduct regular incident response drills.
• Review and update incident response plans to improve efficiency.

7. Risk and compliance

Monitoring compliance with cyber risk frameworks and standards is essential for gap analysis and risk reduction. This includes adherence to regulations such as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), or International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) standards.

Key considerations:

• Which compliance standards are relevant to your organisation?
• How are compliance efforts monitored and reported?
• What are the consequences of non-compliance?

Action steps:

• Conduct regular compliance audits.
• Implement automated tools to track and report compliance status.

8. Cloud security

As more organisations move to the cloud, monitoring cloud security metrics becomes increasingly important. This includes assessing the effectiveness of cloud security controls and ensuring data protection.

Key considerations:

• What cloud services are in use, and how secure are they?
• How are cloud security controls monitored?
• Are there protocols for managing cloud security incidents?

Action steps:

• Implement cloud security posture management (CSPM) tools.
• Regularly review cloud security policies and controls.

9. Number of unidentified devices on the network

Unidentified devices pose a significant security risk. Tracking these devices helps enforce security policies and maintain network integrity.

Key considerations:

• How are unidentified devices detected?
• What protocols are in place for managing these devices?
• How often is the device inventory updated?

Action steps:

• Use network access control (NAC) solutions to identify and manage devices.
• Maintain an updated inventory of all authorised devices.
• How does your current cybersecurity strategy stack up?

If your current cybersecurity strategy is lacking in any of these critical areas, it may be time to take proactive measures. We provide comprehensive cybersecurity services and cybersecurity audits to help you stay ahead of potential threats. Our managed cybersecurity services ensure that your digital security is always up-to-date and effective.

Enhance your organisation’s security posture with our expert cybersecurity services in Australia. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you safeguard your digital infrastructure.