SOC Metrics and KPIs: What You Should Measure

In today’s complex cybersecurity landscape, organisations rely on their Security Operations Centre (SOC) to detect, analyse, and respond to cyber threats. However, without clear performance indicators, it can be difficult to assess the effectiveness of SOC operations. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and metrics help organisations monitor SOC performance, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that security efforts align with business goals.

This article explores the essential SOC metrics and KPIs that organisations should measure, including Mean Time to Detect (MTTD), Mean Time to Respond (MTTR), Threat Disruption Success Rate, and other critical indicators.

1. Why SOC Metrics and KPIs Are Important

SOC metrics and KPIs provide measurable insights into the performance of security operations. These metrics help organisations:

1. Assess Operational Efficiency: Understand how quickly and effectively the SOC detects and responds to threats.

2. Manage Security Risks: Monitor the success rate of threat disruption to reduce the risk of data breaches and operational disruptions.

3. Support Continuous Improvement: Identify bottlenecks, resource constraints, or weaknesses in detection and response processes.

4. Ensure Compliance: Demonstrate adherence to regulatory requirements by tracking and reporting on key security activities.

Metrics allow security leaders to make data-driven decisions and communicate SOC performance to stakeholders, including executives and regulators.

2. Essential SOC Metrics and KPIs

Here are the key metrics and KPIs that every SOC should measure to evaluate its performance and effectiveness.

2.1. Mean Time to Detect (MTTD)

Definition:
The average time it takes for the SOC to detect a security incident from the moment it occurs.

Why It Matters:
The longer an incident goes undetected, the greater the risk of damage, including data breaches, system compromise, and operational downtime. MTTD is a critical indicator of how well the SOC’s monitoring and detection capabilities are performing.

How to Measure:
MTTD is calculated by averaging the detection times for all incidents over a given period:

Best Practices:

• Implement Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems to correlate and analyse security events in real-time.

• Use automated threat detection tools, such as endpoint detection and response (EDR) and intrusion detection systems (IDS).

• Continuously update detection rules and threat intelligence to stay ahead of emerging threats.

Target Benchmark:
An ideal MTTD for mature SOCs is typically under 8 minutes, although this may vary depending on the organisation’s risk profile and security resources.

2.2. Mean Time to Respond (MTTR)

Definition:
The average time it takes for the SOC to respond to and mitigate a security incident after it has been detected.

Why It Matters:
Rapid response is essential to contain threats and minimise damage. A high MTTR may indicate inefficiencies in incident response workflows, lack of coordination, or inadequate staffing.

How to Measure:
MTTR is calculated by averaging the response times for all incidents over a given period:

Best Practices:

• Develop and maintain incident response playbooks to guide SOC analysts through response actions.

• Use SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response) tools to automate containment and remediation tasks.

• Conduct regular incident response drills to ensure that SOC personnel are prepared to handle real-world threats.

Target Benchmark:
An ideal MTTR is often under 20 minutes for critical incidents, although response times may vary depending on the complexity of the attack and the organisation’s resources.

2.3. Threat Disruption Success Rate

Definition:
The percentage of detected threats that are successfully contained and neutralised before causing significant damage.

Why It Matters:
This metric indicates how effective the SOC is at preventing threats from escalating into serious incidents. A low success rate may suggest gaps in detection, response capabilities, or security controls.

How to Measure:
Threat disruption success rate is calculated as:

Best Practices:

• Ensure that critical systems are equipped with robust security controls, such as network segmentation and access control.

• Perform post-incident reviews to identify and address weaknesses in detection and response.

• Integrate threat intelligence to improve situational awareness and anticipate attacker tactics.

Target Benchmark:
A high-performing SOC aims for a success rate of 95% or higher.

2.4. Mean Time to Contain (MTTC)

Definition:
The average time it takes to contain an incident after detection, preventing further spread or escalation.

Why It Matters:
Containment is a critical step in limiting the scope and impact of an incident. A fast MTTC reduces the likelihood of widespread damage.

How to Measure:
MTTC is calculated by averaging containment times across incidents:

Best Practices:

• Implement network segmentation and isolation protocols to quickly contain compromised systems.

• Train SOC analysts on containment strategies and escalation procedures.

• Use real-time monitoring to detect and isolate malicious activity early.

2.5. False Positive Rate

Definition:
The percentage of security alerts that are false positives, meaning they do not represent actual threats.

Why It Matters:
High false positive rates can overwhelm SOC analysts, leading to alert fatigue and missed real threats. Reducing false positives improves the efficiency and focus of SOC operations.

How to Measure:
False positive rate is calculated as:

Best Practices:

• Regularly update and fine-tune detection rules.

• Use machine learning and user behaviour analytics to reduce noise in security alerts.

• Implement alert prioritisation based on threat severity and business impact.

Target Benchmark:
A mature SOC should aim for a false positive rate below 10%.

2.6. Security Incident Frequency

Definition:
The number of security incidents detected over a given period.

Why It Matters:
Monitoring incident frequency helps organisations track changes in the threat landscape and assess the effectiveness of security controls.

Best Practices:

• Analyse trends in incident data to identify patterns and recurring vulnerabilities.

• Use threat intelligence to proactively address emerging risks.

3. Additional SOC Metrics to Consider

• Incident Closure Rate: Measures how quickly incidents are fully resolved.

• Security Awareness Impact: Tracks the effectiveness of employee training programs in reducing phishing attacks and other social engineering attempts.

• Log Coverage Rate: Assesses the percentage of critical assets and systems generating logs for monitoring.

4. How to Use SOC Metrics Effectively

To maximise the value of SOC metrics and KPIs, organisations should:

1. Align Metrics with Business Goals: Ensure that security metrics reflect the organisation’s risk tolerance, regulatory requirements, and operational priorities.

2. Automate Data Collection: Use SIEM and SOAR tools to collect and analyse metrics in real-time.

3. Regularly Review and Update Metrics: Periodically reassess which metrics are most relevant to the organisation’s evolving security needs.

5. Conclusion

SOC metrics and KPIs, such as Mean Time to Detect (MTTD), Mean Time to Respond (MTTR), and Threat Disruption Success Rate, are essential for evaluating and improving the effectiveness of security operations. By monitoring these metrics, organisations can optimise their SOC performance, reduce risk, and ensure compliance with security standards and regulations.

For expert guidance on implementing SOC metrics, security monitoring solutions, and performance optimisation, contact our cybersecurity specialists today.