Patch management processes can be challenging to track and demonstrate their value [1] [2]. Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) often struggle to show the importance of individual patches to company leadership [1]. However, by examining patching and remediation over time [1], specific business and security problems that require attention can be identified [1].
Description
Mean time to remediate (MTTR) is a common metric used to measure the average time it takes to implement a patch after it is announced [1] [2]. However, MTTR does not provide detailed information or address problems that arise during patching [1] [2]. To gain more insight into the patching process [1], CISOs can track mean time to detect (MTTD) [1], mean time to prioritize (MTTP) [1] [2], and mean time to communicate (MTTC) [1] [2].
MTTD measures how quickly a team can find and report on patching status [1] [2], while MTTP assesses the team’s ability to prioritize issues based on severity and risk management strategy [1]. MTTC focuses on collaboration between security teams and other departments involved in IT operations and updates [1]. Tracking these metrics can help identify areas for improvement and align teams around security goals [1].
Ultimately, effective patching and remediation processes contribute to overall risk management and can lead to more secure workflows and processes [1]. However, their adoption across the business and automation of patching are crucial for success [2].
Conclusion
By tracking metrics such as MTTD, MTTP [1] [2], and MTTC, CISOs can identify areas for improvement in the patching process. This allows for better alignment of teams around security goals and ultimately contributes to overall risk management. The adoption of effective patching and remediation processes, along with the automation of patching, are crucial for success in achieving more secure workflows and processes.
References
[1] https://www.threatshub.org/blog/how-to-measure-patching-and-remediation-performance/
[2] https://www.darkreading.com/risk/how-to-measure-patching-and-remediation-performance
