Security Incident Reoccurrence Rate KPI

What is Security Incident Reoccurrence Rate?
The percentage of security incidents that are repeat occurrences, which can point to unresolved systemic issues.

View Benchmarks




Security Incident Reoccurrence Rate is a critical KPI that gauges the frequency of security breaches within an organization.

A high rate indicates vulnerabilities in security protocols, potentially leading to increased costs and reputational damage.

Conversely, a low rate reflects effective risk management and operational efficiency, contributing to overall financial health.

By monitoring this metric, executives can make data-driven decisions to enhance their security frameworks, align strategies, and allocate resources effectively.

Reducing reoccurrences not only improves compliance but also fosters trust among stakeholders.

Ultimately, this KPI influences the organization's ability to achieve strategic objectives and maintain a robust business outcome.

Security Incident Reoccurrence Rate Interpretation

High values of the Security Incident Reoccurrence Rate signal persistent vulnerabilities, indicating a need for immediate intervention. Low values suggest effective security measures and a proactive approach to risk management. Ideal targets typically fall below a threshold of 5%, indicating a strong security posture.

  • <2% – Excellent; indicates robust security measures
  • 2%–5% – Acceptable; monitor for emerging threats
  • >5% – Concerning; initiate thorough investigation

Security Incident Reoccurrence Rate Benchmarks

We have 5 relevant benchmarks in our benchmarks database.

Source: Subscribers only

Source Excerpt: Subscribers only

Additional Comments: Subscribers only

Value Unit Type Company Size Time Period Population Industry Geography Sample Size
Subscribers only percent 100 to 5,000 employees 2022 organizations that paid a ransom cross-industry global

Unlock this benchmark, plus all 35,548 source-attributed benchmarks with full values, formulas, and citations.

Compare KPI Depot Plans Login

Source: Subscribers only

Source Excerpt: Subscribers only

Additional Comments: Subscribers only

Value Unit Type Company Size Time Period Population Industry Geography Sample Size
Subscribers only percent 2022 organizations studied cross-industry global 550 organizations

Unlock this benchmark, plus all 35,548 source-attributed benchmarks with full values, formulas, and citations.

Compare KPI Depot Plans Login

Source: Subscribers only

Source Excerpt: Subscribers only

Additional Comments: Subscribers only

Value Unit Type Company Size Time Period Population Industry Geography Sample Size
Subscribers only percent 50 to 2,000 employees last 12 months ransomware victims cross-industry global 2,000 organizations

Unlock this benchmark, plus all 35,548 source-attributed benchmarks with full values, formulas, and citations.

Compare KPI Depot Plans Login

Source: Subscribers only

Source Excerpt: Subscribers only

Additional Comments: Subscribers only

Value Unit Type Company Size Time Period Population Industry Geography Sample Size
Subscribers only cyber crimes median mixed last 12 months businesses and charities that experienced any cyber crime cross-industry United Kingdom 613 businesses; 228 charities

Unlock this benchmark, plus all 35,548 source-attributed benchmarks with full values, formulas, and citations.

Compare KPI Depot Plans Login

Source: Subscribers only

Source Excerpt: Subscribers only

Additional Comments: Subscribers only

Value Unit Type Company Size Time Period Population Industry Geography Sample Size
Subscribers only percent 50 to 2,000 employees last 12 months organizations that experienced a successful ransomware attac cross-industry global (U.S., UK, France, DACH, Benelux, Nordics, Australia, 2,000 organizations

Unlock this benchmark, plus all 35,548 source-attributed benchmarks with full values, formulas, and citations.

Compare KPI Depot Plans Login

Common Pitfalls

Many organizations underestimate the importance of tracking the Security Incident Reoccurrence Rate, leading to a false sense of security.

  • Failing to conduct regular security audits can result in undetected vulnerabilities. Without routine assessments, organizations may overlook critical gaps in their defenses, increasing the likelihood of incidents.
  • Neglecting employee training on security protocols leads to human error. Employees unaware of best practices may inadvertently compromise security, creating additional risks for the organization.
  • Overlooking incident response plans can exacerbate the impact of security breaches. Without a clear strategy, organizations may struggle to contain incidents, leading to prolonged recovery times and higher costs.
  • Relying solely on technology without a holistic approach can create blind spots. A comprehensive strategy that includes people, processes, and technology is essential for effective risk management.

KPI Depot is trusted by consulting, strategy, finance, and analytics teams at leading organizations worldwide, including those listed below.

AAMC Accenture AXA Bristol Myers Squibb Capgemini DBS Bank Dell Delta Emirates Global Aluminum EY GSK GlaskoSmithKline Honeywell IBM Mitre Northrup Grumman Novo Nordisk NTT Data PepsiCo Samsung Suntory TCS Tata Consultancy Services Vodafone

Improvement Levers

Enhancing the Security Incident Reoccurrence Rate requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both technology and human factors.

  • Implement regular security training programs for all employees to reinforce best practices. Continuous education helps mitigate risks associated with human error, fostering a culture of security awareness.
  • Conduct frequent security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify weaknesses. Proactive measures allow organizations to address potential threats before they escalate into incidents.
  • Develop and regularly update incident response plans to ensure preparedness. A well-defined strategy enables swift action during breaches, minimizing damage and recovery time.
  • Invest in advanced security technologies, such as threat detection and response systems. These tools enhance monitoring capabilities and provide analytical insights to preemptively address vulnerabilities.

Security Incident Reoccurrence Rate Case Study Example

A leading financial services firm faced a troubling trend with its Security Incident Reoccurrence Rate, which had climbed to 8% over the past year. This alarming figure not only jeopardized client trust but also threatened compliance with regulatory standards. To combat this issue, the firm initiated a comprehensive security overhaul, spearheaded by the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). The strategy included a combination of employee training, advanced threat detection technologies, and a complete review of existing protocols.

Within 6 months, the firm implemented a mandatory training program for all employees, focusing on recognizing phishing attempts and adhering to security best practices. Additionally, they adopted a state-of-the-art threat detection system that utilized machine learning to identify anomalies in real-time. These changes fostered a culture of accountability and vigilance among staff, significantly reducing the likelihood of human error.

As a result of these initiatives, the Security Incident Reoccurrence Rate dropped to 3% within the first year. This improvement not only enhanced the firm's reputation but also led to a significant reduction in costs associated with incident recovery and regulatory fines. The firm was able to redirect these savings into further technological advancements and strategic initiatives, ultimately improving its overall business outcome.

The success of this initiative positioned the firm as a leader in security compliance within the financial sector, allowing it to attract new clients who prioritized data protection. The CISO's efforts were recognized at the executive level, reinforcing the importance of security as a key figure in the firm's strategic alignment and operational efficiency.

Related KPIs


What is the standard formula?
(Number of Recurring Incidents / Total Number of Resolved Incidents) * 100


Unlock all 35,625 source-attributed benchmarks.
Comparable benchmark data services start at $2,400 per year.
See all 5 benchmarks for Security Incident Reoccurrence Rate
Access to 35,625 benchmarks
Access to 24,181 KPIs
Interactive Strategy Maps on every plan
13 attributes per KPI (view)

Compare Plans

KPI Categories

This KPI is associated with the following categories and industries in our KPI database:



KPI Depot takes you from KPI intelligence to finished deliverable. Consultants, strategy teams, FP&A leaders, and analytics teams use it to answer the two hardest questions in performance management, what to measure and what the target should be, and then to produce the scorecard itself.

The difference is intelligence, not just data. Anyone can list metrics. Every KPI in KPI Depot carries 13 practical attributes, from formula and measurement approach to diagnostic questions, risk warnings, and Balanced Scorecard perspective, across 15 corporate functions and 153 industries. And every target you set is grounded in our database of 34,304 source-attributed benchmarks, each detailing metric value, company size, time period, industry, geography, sample size, and source. Benchmark data at this scale is otherwise the domain of research services costing thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.

When your metrics are selected, KPI Depot finishes the job: export an interactive Strategy Map, a Balanced Scorecard with formulas and tracking columns, or a CSV KPI pack, and go from research to working deliverable in hours instead of weeks.

Formerly the Flevy KPI Library, KPI Depot is trusted by teams at organizations including Accenture, EY, IBM, PepsiCo, Samsung, and Vodafone.

Got a question? Email us at [email protected].

FAQs about Security Incident Reoccurrence Rate

What is a good target for the Security Incident Reoccurrence Rate?

A target below 5% is generally considered acceptable for most organizations. Striving for a rate below 2% indicates exceptional security measures and proactive risk management.

How often should the Security Incident Reoccurrence Rate be reviewed?

Monthly reviews are recommended to stay ahead of emerging threats and vulnerabilities. Frequent monitoring allows organizations to adjust their strategies in real-time.

What role does employee training play in reducing incidents?

Employee training is crucial for minimizing human error, which is often a significant factor in security breaches. Regular training sessions reinforce best practices and keep security top of mind.

Can technology alone prevent security incidents?

While technology is essential, it cannot replace the human element in security. A comprehensive approach that includes training, processes, and technology is necessary for effective risk management.

What should be included in an incident response plan?

An effective incident response plan should outline roles, responsibilities, communication protocols, and recovery steps. Regular updates and drills ensure that all team members are prepared for potential incidents.

How can organizations benchmark their Security Incident Reoccurrence Rate?

Organizations can benchmark their rates against industry standards or peer companies. Engaging in industry forums or utilizing benchmarking tools can provide valuable insights for comparison.



Each KPI in our knowledge base includes 13 attributes.

KPI Definition

A clear explanation of what the KPI measures

Potential Business Insights

The typical business insights we expect to gain through the tracking of this KPI

Measurement Approach

An outline of the approach or process followed to measure this KPI

Standard Formula

The standard formula organizations use to calculate this KPI

Trend Analysis

Insights into how the KPI tends to evolve over time and what trends could indicate positive or negative performance shifts

Diagnostic Questions

Questions to ask to better understand your current position is for the KPI and how it can improve

Actionable Tips

Practical, actionable tips for improving the KPI, which might involve operational changes, strategic shifts, or tactical actions

Visualization Suggestions

Recommended charts or graphs that best represent the trends and patterns around the KPI for more effective reporting and decision-making

Risk Warnings

Potential risks or warnings signs that could indicate underlying issues that require immediate attention

Tools & Technologies

Suggested tools, technologies, and software that can help in tracking and analyzing the KPI more effectively

Integration Points

How the KPI can be integrated with other business systems and processes for holistic strategic performance management

Change Impact

Explanation of how changes in the KPI can impact other KPIs and what kind of changes can be expected

BSC Perspective

NEW Mapping to a Balanced Scorecard perspective (financial, customer, internal process, learning & growth)


Compare Our Plans


Explore KPI Depot by Function & Industry