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CRISC · Question #451

Which of the following is the BEST key performance indicator (KPI) for a server patch management process?

The correct answer is C. The percentage of servers patched within required service level agreements. A key performance indicator (KPI) for server patch management should effectively measure the success and timeliness of patching efforts.

Submitted by emma.c· Apr 18, 2026Risk Response and Reporting

Question

Which of the following is the BEST key performance indicator (KPI) for a server patch management process?

Options

  • AThe percentage of servers with allowed patching exceptions
  • BThe number of servers with local credentials to install patches
  • CThe percentage of servers patched within required service level agreements
  • DThe number of servers running the software patching service

How the community answered

(18 responses)
  • A
    11% (2)
  • B
    6% (1)
  • C
    83% (15)

Why each option

A key performance indicator (KPI) for server patch management should effectively measure the success and timeliness of patching efforts.

AThe percentage of servers with allowed patching exceptions

While important for understanding exceptions, this doesn't measure the performance of the patching process itself but rather the number of allowed deviations.

BThe number of servers with local credentials to install patches

The presence of local credentials for patch installation is a security configuration detail, not a direct measure of patching process performance or effectiveness.

CThe percentage of servers patched within required service level agreementsCorrect

This KPI directly measures the success rate and compliance of the patch management process against established timeliness requirements, which is crucial for maintaining security and operational stability. It indicates how well the organization is meeting its patching goals.

DThe number of servers running the software patching service

This indicates the coverage of the patching service, but not the actual success or timeliness of patch deployment to meet required SLAs.

Concept tested: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for security operations

Topics

#Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)#Patch Management#Control Monitoring#Risk Mitigation

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