Unlocking the Benefits of Value-Added Measurement for Security Performance

Measuring security performance is a critical aspect of maintaining a secure environment for any organization. One valuable technique for measuring security performance is the value-added measurement. This measurement technique is different from traditional measurements in that it focuses on the positive aspects of a security measure. Typically, the positive impact is not directly related to the goal of the security measure. Think of it as a bonus outcome. In this blog post, I will discuss the advantages of using value-added measurement for security performance.

What is Value-Added Measurement?

Value-added measurement is a measurement technique that focuses on the positive aspects of a service or product. It is a way to measure the value that a service or product brings to an organization rather than just focusing on the costs associated with it. A good example would be a self-closing door, the goal of which is to protect the environment from trespassers, but it might have the added value of reducing the cooling costs of the building. The cost savings and positive impact on the environment are "value-added" benefits of the security control. Value-added measurement is particularly useful for measuring security performance as it helps organizations to understand the positive impact that security measures have on their operations.

Advantages of Value-Added Measurement for Security Performance

1. Focuses on Positive Aspects: The primary advantage of using value-added measurement for security performance is that it focuses on the positive aspects of security measures. It allows organizations to highlight the value that security measures bring to their operations, rather than just focusing on the costs associated with them. This is particularly useful in justifying security budgets and demonstrating the importance of security measures to senior management.

2. Provides a Comprehensive Picture: Value-added measurement provides a comprehensive picture of security performance. It allows organizations to measure the value that security measures bring to their operations, rather than just focusing on specific security incidents. This provides a more holistic view of security performance, allowing organizations to identify areas for improvement and prioritize resources accordingly.

3. Demonstrates ROI: Value-added measurement helps organizations to demonstrate the ROI (Return on Investment) of their security measures. By highlighting the positive impact that security measures have on their operations, organizations can demonstrate the value that their security investments are bringing to the organization. This can help to justify security budgets and secure funding for future security initiatives.

Conclusion

Value-added measurement is a valuable technique for measuring security performance. It focuses on the positive aspects of security measures, provides a comprehensive picture of security performance, and helps organizations to demonstrate the ROI of their security investments. By using value-added measurement, organizations can improve their security posture, prioritize resources effectively, and justify security budgets to senior management.