What is Mean Time to Detect (MTTD)?

A key indicator of performance in vulnerability management is “mean time to detect,” or MTTD.

This is the average amount of time that passes between the start of a cybersecurity incident, and the moment the security team detects it.

MTTD vs. Mean Time to Resolution (MTTR)

While complimentary metrics in cybersecurity, the distinction is relatively simple:

MTTD focuses on detection speed.

MTTR focuses on remediation speed.

These metrics are interconnected; improving MTTD can lead to a faster MTTR by allowing more time for remediation actions.

Both MTTR and MTTD measurements are essential for evaluating the efficiency of a vulnerability management program.

How to Calculate MTTD

To calculate MTTD, add the total time it takes to detect all incidents over a period of time, and then divide that number by the total number of incidents.

How to Improve MTTD

To reduce MTTD, consider the following strategies:

• Automate KPI tracking of the most common KPIs for modern vulnerability management teams. We've provide a demonstration below:

• Develop a detailed incident response plan outlining roles, responsibilities, and detection processes. Regularly review and refine this plan based on incident outcomes and evolving threats.
• Conduct regular cybersecurity training to employees to enhance their awareness of potential threats and proper response procedures. This training should cover identifying suspicious activities and understanding the importance of timely reporting.
• Implement security operations centers (SOCs) or advanced monitoring tools to ensure continuous oversight of both on-premise and cloud resources. Real-time monitoring helps detect incidents more swiftly and reduces the time it takes to identify threats.

MTTD for Vulnerability Management

In vulnerability management, MTTD refers to how quickly vulnerabilities are identified after they are introduced. Reducing MTTD in this context helps ensure that vulnerabilities are detected and addressed before they can be exploited by attackers.

Why MTTD Matters

MTTD is important because it directly affects how quickly security teams can respond to threats and minimize damage. A lower MTTD means that security incidents are detected sooner, reducing the time attackers have to exploit vulnerabilities and increasing the overall effectiveness of the security program. Reducing MTTD helps in protecting organizational assets and minimizing potential losses from security breaches.

Learn more

[Article] Drive Vulnerability Management Success with MTTR and MTTD Tracking

[Webpage] Why Gutsy for Vulnerability Management?

[eBook] Beyond Detection: Mastering Vulnerability Management with Process Mining