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tability.ioWhat are Application Security OKRs?
The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.
Formulating strong OKRs can be a complex endeavor, particularly for first-timers. Prioritizing outcomes over projects is crucial when developing your plans.
To aid you in setting your goals, we have compiled a collection of OKR examples customized for Application Security. Take a look at the templates below for inspiration and guidance.
If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.
Application Security OKRs examples
You will find in the next section many different Application Security Objectives and Key Results. We've included strategic initiatives in our templates to give you a better idea of the different between the key results (how we measure progress), and the initiatives (what we do to achieve the results).
Hope you'll find this helpful!
OKRs to enhance application security knowledge and awareness among teams
ObjectiveImprove application security knowledge and awareness
KRIncrease the frequency of security checklist reviews by 50%- KRConduct at least one security training session per team
- KRProvide secure coding guidelines and best practices to each team
- KRImplement a mandatory security certification program for all teams
OKRs to seamless integration and deployment of Productiv SaaS application
- ObjectiveSeamless integration and deployment of Productiv SaaS application
- KRIdentify and reduce shadow IT instances by 25% using the Productiv app
Assemble team to identify current shadow IT instances- Establish plan to reduce shadow IT by 25%
- Utilize Productiv app for IT management analysis
- KRValidate Productiv SaaS's compatibility with our systems by the end of week 1
- Execute a small-scale compatibility test using Productiv SaaS
- Identify our system's requirements and Productiv SaaS's specifications
- Analyze test results and articulate findings
- KRSuccessfully train 90% of the IT team on managing the Productiv SaaS application
- Identify key features in the Productiv SaaS application for training focus
- Develop comprehensive training program for IT team members
- Monitor and evaluate training progress and effectiveness
OKRs to successfully complete Micro-segmentation for Tier1 and Tier2 applications
- ObjectiveSuccessfully complete Micro-segmentation for Tier1 and Tier2 applications
- KRImplement micro-segmentation for at least 60% of prioritized applications
- Develop a diagram detailing each application's segmentation
- Execute approved micro-segmentation plan across identified apps
- Identify top 60% of high-priority apps for micro-segmentation
- KRIdentify and prioritize all Tier1 and Tier2 applications by end of first month
- Evaluate the importance and usage of listed applications
- Compile a list of all Tier1 and Tier2 applications
- Rank applications based on evaluation results
- KRDevelop an individualized micro-segmentation plan for 75% of identified applications
- Identify key characteristics of each application for segmentation
- Implement segmentation plans on 75% of selected applications
- Create customized micro-segmentation strategy for each application
OKRs to successfully migrate all applications to a secure DevOps pipeline
- ObjectiveSuccessfully migrate all applications to a secure DevOps pipeline
- KRAchieve zero security incidents post-migration in the reviewed applications
- Regularly review and update security measures
- Implement solid security mechanisms post-migration
- Conduct thorough security checks and audits before migration
- KRTrain 80% of development team on secure DevOps pipeline management
- Identify team members needing secure DevOps pipeline training
- Organize a training program with a competent instructor
- Schedule and implement training sessions for identified members
- KRImplement secure DevOps pipeline framework for 50% of existing applications
- Develop or acquire the necessary secure DevOps pipeline framework
- Identify applications suitable for secure DevOps pipeline implementation
- Roll out the framework across the identified applications
How to write your own Application Security OKRs
1. Get tailored OKRs with an AI
You'll find some examples below, but it's likely that you have very specific needs that won't be covered.
You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Click on the "Generate goals using AI" button
- 3. Use natural language to describe your goals
Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.
Watch the video below to see it in action 👇
Option 2. Optimise existing OKRs with Tability Feedback tool
If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Add your existing OKRs (you can import them from a spreadsheet)
- 3. Click on "Generate analysis"
Tability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRsTability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.
You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.
Option 3. Use the free OKR generator
If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.
Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.
Application Security OKR best practices
Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.
Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇
Tip #1: Limit the number of key results
Having too many OKRs is the #1 mistake that teams make when adopting the framework. The problem with tracking too many competing goals is that it will be hard for your team to know what really matters.
We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.
Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins
Setting good goals can be challenging, but without regular check-ins, your team will struggle to make progress. We recommend that you track your OKRs weekly to get the full benefits from the framework.
Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.
Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row
Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.
As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.
Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.
How to track your Application Security OKRs
Your quarterly OKRs should be tracked weekly in order to get all the benefits of the OKRs framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:
- It brings the goals back to the top of the mind
- It will highlight poorly set OKRs
- It will surface execution risks
- It improves transparency and accountability
Most teams should start with a spreadsheet if they're using OKRs for the first time. Then, once you get comfortable you can graduate to a proper OKRs-tracking tool.
If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.
More Application Security OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
- OKRs to achieve first-time accuracy for all requirements
- OKRs to enhance product suite experience for small businesses and accountants
- OKRs to achieve fluency in English language
- OKRs to reduce turnover rate through retention strategies
- OKRs to streamline graphic design processes
- OKRs to enhance gender diversity across all layers of the organization