Premium Content

Access "Security: Measuring Up"

Published: 18 Oct 2012
12 security lessons for CISOs they don't teach you in security school

This article is part of the February 2005 issue of 12 security lessons for CISOs they don't teach you in security school

Here's a formula most security pros will recognize: Risk = Threat x Vulnerability x Expected Loss It's useful for expressing the necessity and purpose of security. It's also equally difficult to quantify with meaningful numbers. How do you numerically express a threat? What is the cost of a vulnerability? How do you calculate expected loss? And, when you multiply these three variables, how do you denote risk in a way that can be translated into an action item? Security metrics--the measure of security policies, processes and products--is the much-sought-after solution to this conundrum. Security managers look for a magic formula that calculates risk and effectiveness in reducing risk, but the reality is that security metrics aren't that simple. Measuring security is about using common sense. Managers need to determine what to measure, organize the variables in a way that makes them manageable and meaningful, and build repeatable formulas that show the snapshot status of security and how it changes over time. We'll define some of the underlying elements ... Access >>>

Access TechTarget
Premium Content for Free.

By submitting you agree to receive email from TechTarget and its partners. If you reside outside of the United States, you consent to having your personal data transferred to and processed in the United States. Privacy

Already a member? Login to access this content.

What's Inside

Features

More Premium Content Accessible For Free

Back to top