Tability is a cheatcode for goal-driven teams. Set perfect OKRs with AI, stay focused on the work that matters.
What 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.
The best tools for writing perfect Application Security OKRs
Here are 2 tools that can help you draft your OKRs in no time.
Tability AI: to generate OKRs based on a prompt
Tability AI allows you to describe your goals in a prompt, and generate a fully editable OKR template in seconds.
- 1. Create a Tability account
- 2. Click on the Generate goals using AI
- 3. Describe your goals in a prompt
- 4. Get your fully editable OKR template
- 5. Publish to start tracking progress and get automated OKR dashboards
Watch the video below to see it in action 👇
Tability Feedback: to improve existing OKRs
You can use Tability's AI feedback to improve your OKRs if you already have existing goals.
- 1. Create your Tability account
- 2. Add your existing OKRs (you can import them from a spreadsheet)
- 3. Click on Generate analysis
- 4. Review the suggestions and decide to accept or dismiss them
- 5. Publish to start tracking progress and get automated OKR dashboards
Tability 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.
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
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.
Save hours with automated OKR dashboards
Your quarterly OKRs should be tracked weekly if you want 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, you can move to Tability to save time with automated OKR dashboards, data connectors, and actionable insights.
How to get Tability dashboards:
- 1. Create a Tability account
- 2. Use the importers to add your OKRs (works with any spreadsheet or doc)
- 3. Publish your OKR plan
That's it! Tability will instantly get access to 10+ dashboards to monitor progress, visualise trends, and identify risks early.
More Application Security OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
- OKRs to enhance HR's strategic contribution to business success
- OKRs to streamline and enhance compliance review and implementation process
- OKRs to strengthen collaboration and maximize the impact of public and private partnerships
- OKRs to implement versatile deployment strategies for K8's users
- OKRs to improve the quality of the data
- OKRs to establish profitability foundations