What are the key performance indicators for measuring ISMS success?

1 What are KPIs?

KPIs are measurable values that indicate how well an organization is achieving its goals. They can be used to evaluate various aspects of an ISMS, such as the compliance with standards and regulations, the maturity of the security processes, the efficiency of the security operations, the effectiveness of the security controls, and the satisfaction of the stakeholders. KPIs can help an organization to identify strengths and weaknesses, track improvements, communicate results, and justify investments in information security.

2 Why are KPIs important for ISMS success?

KPIs are important for ISMS success because they provide a way to assess and demonstrate the value of information security to the organization. Without KPIs, an ISMS may be seen as a cost center, a burden, or a checkbox exercise, rather than a strategic asset, a competitive advantage, or a business enabler. KPIs can help an organization to align its ISMS with its vision, mission, and objectives, to ensure that its ISMS is relevant, adequate, and effective, and to foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

3 How to choose KPIs for your ISMS?

When selecting KPIs for your ISMS, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, but you should use a balanced mix of quantitative and qualitative KPIs that cover different dimensions of your ISMS. Ensure that your KPIs meet the SMART criteria of being specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Additionally, use a consistent and transparent methodology to collect, analyze, and report your KPIs. Compare your KPIs with industry standards, best practices, or past performance through benchmarks and baselines. Finally, use feedback and reviews to refine and update your KPIs as your ISMS evolves.

4 How to monitor KPIs for your ISMS?

Monitoring KPIs for your ISMS requires a regular and systematic process of measuring, reporting, and reviewing. This should include defining the roles and responsibilities of those who will collect, analyze, and report the KPIs, as well as establishing the frequency and format of the KPI measurement and reporting. Appropriate tools and techniques should be used to gather, store, and visualize the KPI data. Dashboards, scorecards, or reports can be used to present the KPI results to the relevant stakeholders. The results can then be used to evaluate the performance and impact of your ISMS, identify gaps and issues, initiate corrective and preventive actions, communicate achievements and benefits of your ISMS, increase awareness and engagement, and promote a positive security culture.

5 Examples of KPIs for your ISMS

To give you some inspiration, here are some examples of KPIs you can use or adapt for your ISMS. These are not exhaustive or definitive, so always customize your KPIs according to your specific context and objectives. Compliance KPIs measure the degree of conformity with applicable standards, regulations, and contractual obligations – for example, the number of non-conformities, the percentage of compliance audits passed, or the amount of fines or penalties incurred. Maturity KPIs measure the level of development and implementation of ISMS processes and practices – for example, the maturity level of your ISMS according to a recognized framework such as ISO 27001, COBIT, or NIST. Efficiency KPIs measure resources and time spent on activities and operations – for example, the cost of information security, the return on security investment, or the time to resolve security incidents. Effectiveness KPIs measure the extent to which controls and outcomes meet expectations and needs – for example, the number of security incidents, the percentage of security risks mitigated, or the security score of information assets. Finally, satisfaction KPIs measure satisfaction and trust with performance and value – for example, feedback from surveys or interviews, testimonials, referrals, or recommendations.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?