What are the best ways to communicate information assurance metrics and indicators to stakeholders?

Information assurance (IA) is the practice of protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information systems and data from threats and risks. IA metrics and indicators are quantitative or qualitative measures that evaluate the performance, effectiveness, and maturity of IA processes, controls, and outcomes. Communicating IA metrics and indicators to stakeholders is crucial for demonstrating the value of IA investments, aligning IA goals with business objectives, and improving IA decision-making and accountability. However, communicating IA metrics and indicators can be challenging, as different stakeholders may have different expectations, perspectives, and needs. How can you communicate IA metrics and indicators to stakeholders in the best way possible? Here are some tips to help you.

1 Know your audience

Before you communicate IA metrics and indicators, you need to understand who your audience is, what they care about, and how they prefer to receive information. For example, senior executives may be more interested in high-level strategic metrics that show the impact of IA on the business goals, while technical staff may be more interested in detailed operational metrics that show the status of IA activities and issues. You also need to consider the level of technical knowledge, the communication channel, and the frequency of communication that your audience expects. By knowing your audience, you can tailor your message and presentation to suit their needs and preferences.

Add your perspective

Adrian Rodriguez Ulla

Common Data Environment Coordinator at PJ Hegarty & Sons
Report contribution
Tell a Compelling Story. Always communicate with an outcome in mind. Craft a narrative around your data to guide viewers through a logical flow of information. Use annotations and captions to highlight key points and trends. Consider incorporating storytelling techniques, such as a chronological sequence or a cause-and-effect structure, to engage your audience.

Like

2 Define your purpose

Another important step is to define the purpose of communicating IA metrics and indicators. What are you trying to achieve? What are the key messages you want to convey? How do you want your audience to react or respond? For example, you may want to communicate IA metrics and indicators to inform your audience about the current state of IA, to persuade them to take action or support a decision, to educate them about IA best practices or standards, or to engage them in a dialogue or feedback. By defining your purpose, you can focus your communication on the most relevant and meaningful metrics and indicators that support your goal.

Add your perspective

3 Choose the right metrics and indicators

The next step is to choose the right metrics and indicators that match your audience and purpose. There are many types of IA metrics and indicators, such as compliance metrics, risk metrics, performance metrics, maturity metrics, and value metrics. You need to select the ones that are most appropriate for your context and scope. For example, if you want to communicate the compliance status of your IA program, you may use metrics and indicators that measure the adherence to IA policies, standards, and regulations. If you want to communicate the value of your IA program, you may use metrics and indicators that measure the cost savings, revenue generation, or customer satisfaction that result from IA initiatives. You also need to ensure that the metrics and indicators you choose are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Add your perspective

4 Visualize and contextualize your data

Once you have chosen the right metrics and indicators, you need to visualize and contextualize your data to make it easier for your audience to understand and interpret. You can use various methods to visualize your data, such as charts, graphs, tables, dashboards, or scorecards. You need to choose the method that best suits the type and amount of data you have, as well as the message you want to convey. For example, you may use a pie chart to show the distribution of IA incidents by category, a line graph to show the trend of IA performance over time, or a dashboard to show the status of IA objectives and indicators at a glance. You also need to contextualize your data by providing explanations, comparisons, benchmarks, or recommendations that add meaning and value to your data. For example, you may explain why a certain metric or indicator is important, how it relates to the business goals, what the target or threshold is, how it compares to the previous period or the industry average, or what actions or improvements are needed.

Add your perspective

Adrian Rodriguez Ulla

Common Data Environment Coordinator at PJ Hegarty & Sons
Report contribution
Metrics can be interpreted in many different ways, depending on the observer's job role. Leverage interactive elements to allow users to explore the data on their own. This enhances engagement and enables a deeper understanding of specific data points. Implement tooltips, filters, and drill-down options to provide a more detailed view when needed.

Like

5 Solicit feedback and follow up

The final step is to solicit feedback and follow up on your communication. You need to encourage your audience to ask questions, share opinions, or provide suggestions on your IA metrics and indicators. You can use various techniques to solicit feedback, such as surveys, polls, interviews, or workshops. You need to listen to your audience's feedback and address any concerns, doubts, or gaps they may have. You also need to follow up on your communication by providing updates, reports, or reminders on your IA metrics and indicators. You need to show your audience that you value their input and that you are committed to improving your IA program and achieving your IA goals.

Add your perspective

6 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that donâ€™t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Directory

What are the best ways to communicate information assurance metrics and indicators to stakeholders?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know your audience

2 Define your purpose

3 Choose the right metrics and indicators

4 Visualize and contextualize your data

5 Solicit feedback and follow up

6 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Information Systems

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Information Systems

More relevant reading

Directory

What are the best ways to communicate information assurance metrics and indicators to stakeholders?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know your audience

2 Define your purpose

3 Choose the right metrics and indicators

4 Visualize and contextualize your data

5 Solicit feedback and follow up

6 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Information Systems

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills