National Cyber Resilience Index: A Data-Driven Framework for Measuring Preparedness

Abstract

This paper presents a data-driven framework for developing a National Cyber Resilience Index (NCRI) a composite, quantitative tool to assess a nation's ability to prepare for, absorb, recover from, and adapt to cyber incidents. Unlike conventional cybersecurity maturity models, the proposed NCRI integrates heterogeneous data sources, advanced graph-based analytics, and adaptive metrics to capture the dynamic nature of national cyber preparedness. The framework encompasses four core dimensions Governance, Technical Capabilities, Human Capital, and Collaboration supported by measurable indicators and validated using cross-index benchmarking and statistical analysis. Through a mixed-methods approach combining systematic review, data modeling, and expert validation, the NCRI enables comparative resilience assessment and policy optimization. The study concludes with implications for policymakers, industry, and researchers, emphasizing ethical AI use, quantum-safe encryption, and standardized resilience metrics for future work.