Benchmaxxing: When the Benchmark Becomes the Target

Strategic summary

The report "Benchmaxxing: When the Benchmark Becomes the Target" examines how companies in the DACH region increasingly optimize cybersecurity benchmarks as an end in itself instead of achieving genuine security improvements. For Joel Traber AG in the manufacturing sector, the study shows that good benchmark results often coincide with unchanged or even increased residual risks. The authors warn against a deceptive security culture based on scores and rankings. They recommend independent validation and a return to risk-based security objectives.

Key findings

• Benchmark scores often improve through targeted measures without reducing the actual attack surface.
• Many DACH manufacturing companies prioritize only the controls measured by the benchmark and neglect other critical areas.
• A rising benchmark rank does not correlate with fewer real security incidents.
• Audit and certification logic encourages aligning security resources with metrics rather than real threats.
• Joel Traber AG should supplement benchmark results with its own red team exercises and threat analyses.