Security Champions: Metrics & Data

Metrics play a crucial role in both reporting success to management and improving personal and program performance, as they provide evidence of effectiveness and areas for enhancement. However, it's important to distinguish between meaningful metrics and vanity metrics, which may look impressive but lack real value. An example highlights the difference between mere clicks and engagement, demonstrating that time spent reading an article reveals more about its impact than just the number of clicks. With this insight, strategic adjustments to platform focus can enhance engagement. In the context of a security champion program, relevant metrics include the number of new champions, engagement levels, bug reporting and fixing, and instances where champions identify previously unknown security issues. These metrics help demonstrate the program's ROI and effectiveness, while also gathering stories of success that can inspire and inform upper management.