Cybersecurity goals-How to set and achieve them

Cybersecurity goals are critical for a cybersecurity leader

The rapid increase of digital technologies and the growing sophistication of cyber threats have elevated the need to establish robust cybersecurity performance goals that are measurable and follow cybersecurity best practices. Cybersecurity goals with well-defined, actionable objectives, serve as the foundation of diverse cybersecurity strategy.

As one’s cybersecurity team, setting goals and objectives communicates expectations and helps them understand how their work impacts the bigger picture. This may lead to higher engagement, productivity and motivation.They also provide a framework for one’s communication with leadership and one’s board of directors.

When one aligns one’s cybersecurity with business goals, it will be more likely to gain buy-in, budget, and a seat at the executive table. Once the agreement on goals is gained, it can be referred to in every briefing and report so that one may track performance, show measurable progress, and demonstrate the value of the cybersecurity program.

Cybersecurity goals and cybersecurity objectives

• Cybersecurity goals and cybersecurity objectives are definitely not the same.

• Cybersecurity goals statements of intent, shape the organization’s overall hope for cybersecurity. For example, one’s cybersecurity goals likely aim to protect sensitive data, ensure system integrity, minimize cyber risks, comply with industry regulations, and cultivate cyber awareness.

• Cybersecurity objectives Describe how an organization is to achieve its cybersecurity goals. Compared to cybersecurity goals, objectives are more specific, measurable, and time bound.

• Cybersecurity goals are where one wants to be, while cybersecurity objectives outline how to get there.

What should one consider when setting cybersecurity goals?

Here are key questions to consider

• How do cybersecurity goals align with our overall business strategy?
  Identify the systems and processes that are most critical for driving revenue, delivering service to customers, and fulfilling company promises. Aligning cybersecurity goals with business objectives ensures that cybersecurity efforts support business sustainability and success. A disconnect here can hinder stakeholder buy-in and decision-making support.

• What are a company’s most critical assets to protect?
  Determine the most valuable and sensitive data, systems, and assets within the organization. This will help focus cybersecurity efforts on what matters most.

• How mature is our current cybersecurity posture?
  Evaluate organization’s current cybersecurity performance and capabilities by benchmarking against established control frameworks (NIST, CIS, etc.), maturity models, and industry peers. Establishing a baseline of current state helps set realistic goals for improvement. For example, one could benchmark Privileged Access Management (PAM) capabilities against the PAM Maturity Model.

• What cybersecurity risk scenarios do we expect to face, and how well can we address them?
  Identifying likely risk scenarios based on recent cyberattacks within the industry and the impact of those attacks. Reflect on past incidents or breaches within the organization to inform your goal-setting process.
• Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to evaluate how well the current security controls and processes can handle these risks. This will highlight vulnerabilities or gaps that need addressing through specific cybersecurity objectives, such as adding or adjusting controls.
• Consider using third-party data, such as the IBM/Ponemon report, or performing Cyber Risk Quantification (CRQ) to estimate the cost of cyberattacks. This can help prioritize risks and set objectives accordingly.

The compliance and regulatory requirements needed to meet

Identify relevant industry standards, regulations, and compliance requirements that the organization must adhere to. Ensure that the cybersecurity program can demonstrate compliance and performance.

• What resources are available for implementation?
  Recognize that cybersecurity budgets and resources are often limited. Prioritize realistic goals and objectives, making trade-offs as necessary. For instance, if budget constraints prevent meeting certain objectives this year, focus on high-priority areas and plan for additional objectives next year.

• Who is involved in delivering results to meet cybersecurity goals?
  Identifying the individuals and teams responsible for implementing as well as overseeing cybersecurity initiatives. Involve them in the goal-setting process to ensure they understand how their performance will be measured. Align cybersecurity performance objectives with overall performance objectives to create incentives and clarity.

• What considerations are important for timeline?
  Establish a realistic timeframe for achieving short-term objectives that support long-term goals. Consider factors such as hiring timelines, vendor vetting, and software implementation. Be mindful of external factors like product launch plans, partnership agreements, or budget cycles that might impact one’s timeline.

• How will one communicate the goals throughout the organization?
  Develop a communication plan to ensure that all relevant teams and individuals are aware of the cybersecurity goals and objectives, their importance, and their roles in achieving them. Effective communication will foster a culture of security awareness and responsibility across the organization.

• By addressing these questions, one can ensure that the cybersecurity goals are well-informed, relevant, and strategically aligned, setting the stage for effective implementation and enhanced security.

• Additionally, recognize that the cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving. Regularly review and adapt goals and objectives to address new and emerging threats, as well as any changes to the risk profile, budget, and resources.

Measuring success: How can one know if the cybersecurity goals and objectives are being achieved?

Measuring cybersecurity performance and progress toward the organization’s goals is critical to success.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) measure the completion and effectiveness of cybersecurity activities and their impact on reducing risk. In order to defend against cyber threats, one must provide insights into the organization’s ability and the performance.

Here are KPIs commonly used to measure cybersecurity performance goals

Time to Detect (TTD) Measures the time taken to detect a cybersecurity incident from the moment it occurs. A lower TTD indicates a more advance and efficient detection, allowing quick responses and mitigations.

Time to Respond (TTR) Measures the time taken to respond to and contain a cybersecurity incident once detected. A shorter TTR indicates that the organization is capable of quickly mitigating the impact of security breaches.

Number of security incidentsTracking the number of security incidents over time helps gauge the overall security posture. A declining trend indicates improved security measures, while an increasing trend signify potential gaps.

Percentage of successful phishing simulations Regularly conducting phishing simulations and tracking the percentage of successful attempts helps assess the effectiveness of security awareness training and the organization’s resilience against phishing attacks.

Patch management compliance Measures the organization’s ability to promptly apply security patches to systems and software vulnerabilities. High patch management compliance indicates better protection against known exploits.

Number of access control violations Monitoring the number of access control violations helps identify potential security weaknesses and incidents of unauthorized access.

Security awareness training completion rate The percentage of employees who complete security awareness training indicates how well the organization is educating its workforce about cybersecurity best practices.

Percentage of devices with updated antivirus software This KPI tracks the percentage of devices that have up-to-date antivirus software installed, helping assess the organization’s readiness against malware threats.

Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) Measures the average time between cybersecurity incidents or breaches. More robust security program is indicated by a higher MTBF.

Mean Time to Recover (MTTR) Measures the average time taken to recover from a cybersecurity incident. A shorter MTTR indicates a more effective incident response and recovery process.

Security Policy Compliance Rate Monitoring the organization’s adherence to established security policies helps ensure that security practices are followed consistently.

Risk reduction percentage Quantifies the percentage of risk reduction achieved over a specific period due to cybersecurity measures and investments.It’s important to customize KPIs based on the organization’s specific goals, risks, and industry. Regularly reviewing and analyzing these KPIs can help identify areas for improvement, measure the impact of security initiatives, and demonstrate the value of cybersecurity program to stakeholders.

Conclusion

Setting and achieving cybersecurity goals is essential for strengthening organization’s security posture. Start by aligning cybersecurity goals with overall business strategy and identifying critical assets to protect. Assessing current cybersecurity maturity and potential risk scenarios to prioritize objectives. Utilize Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure progress and effectiveness, ensuring they are customized to the organization’s specific needs.

Regular communication and involving key stakeholders in the goal-setting process foster a culture of security awareness. Continuously review and adapt goals to address the evolving cybersecurity landscape, ensuring ongoing risk reduction and enhanced protection.