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tability.ioWhat are Cyber 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.
Creating impactful OKRs can be a daunting task, especially for newcomers. Shifting your focus from projects to outcomes is key to successful planning.
We have curated a selection of OKR examples specifically for Cyber Security to assist you. Feel free to explore the templates below for inspiration in setting your own goals.
If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.
Cyber Security OKRs examples
We've added many examples of Cyber Security Objectives and Key Results, but we did not stop there. Understanding the difference between OKRs and projects is important, so we also added examples of strategic initiatives that relate to the OKRs.
Hope you'll find this helpful!
OKRs to discover and evaluate effective threat hunting tools
ObjectiveDiscover and evaluate effective threat hunting tools
KRIdentify and catalogue 15 highly-rated threat hunting tools by the end of quarter
Conduct research to identify 15 threat hunting tools- Evaluate tools based on user ratings and reviews
- Document each tool, ratings and features in a catalogue
- KRPerform thorough assessments on each identified tool, focusing on effectiveness and efficiency
- Identify tools requiring assessment and list their functions
- Evaluate effectiveness of each tool’s outcome
- Analyze tool efficiency for job performance
- KRChoose and pilot top 3 identified threat hunting tools in a controlled environment
- Conduct pilot tests for each tool
- Select top 3 threat hunting tools from identified list
- Set up a controlled testing environment
OKRs to enhance company security standards to safeguard against potential threats
- ObjectiveEnhance company security standards to safeguard against potential threats
- KRAchieve a 100% completion rate of all recommended security updates and patches
- Conduct routine audits to ensure all devices and systems have the latest security patches
- Provide ongoing training and awareness programs to educate employees on the importance of installing security updates
- Implement an automated system to regularly scan and identify available security updates
- Establish a policy for prompt installation and deployment of all identified security updates
- KRImplement a comprehensive training program on cybersecurity for all employees
- Create an online platform to provide ongoing access to cybersecurity resources and learning materials
- Schedule regular training sessions to ensure all employees receive cybersecurity education
- Assign qualified trainers to deliver interactive and engaging cybersecurity training sessions
- Develop a customized cybersecurity training curriculum tailored to different employee roles
- KRReduce the average response time to security incidents by 20%
- Streamline incident response workflows to remove unnecessary steps and improve efficiency
- Develop a clear escalation process and ensure all stakeholders are aware and trained
- Conduct regular simulations and exercises to enhance incident response readiness and identify areas for improvement
- Implement automated monitoring systems to identify and alert on security incidents promptly
- KRIncrease the frequency of security audits to at least once every quarter
- Assign specific personnel responsible for conducting security audits
- Develop a standardized reporting format for security audit findings and recommendations
- Implement regular communication channels to track and monitor security audit progress
- Review and update security audit checklist to ensure comprehensive coverage
OKRs to enhance Crowdstrike security measures
- ObjectiveEnhance Crowdstrike security measures
- KRReduce false positive alerts by 45%
- Regularly review and adjust alert threshold levels
- Provide ongoing staff training for alert management
- Implement more accurate alerting algorithms
- KRIncrease the protection against phishing attacks by 25%
- Conduct weekly cybersecurity training for all staff
- Update email filters to block suspected phishing emails
- Implement two-factor authentication measures on all platforms
- KRImprove detection speed of threats by 30%
- Regularly update and maintain security software
- Train staff on more efficient threat identification techniques
- Increase investment in advanced threat detection tools
OKRs to ensure information security solution meets large customer requirements
- ObjectiveEnsure information security solution meets large customer requirements
- KRAdjust our existing information security solution to match found requirements 100%
- Develop and implement changes to fill identified gaps
- Identify gaps in the current information security solution
- Test and fine-tune the updated security solution
- KRIdentify and understand the requirements of 10 major customers by consulting directly
- Schedule one-on-one meetings with each of the 10 major customers
- Review and analyze all customer feedback to understand requirements
- Prepare specific, clear questions for customer consultation
- KRSuccessfully pass 10 customer audits confirming solution's compliance with their requirements
- Review and understand all customer's requirements for each solution
- Conduct internal audits to ensure compliance with requirements
- Collect and organize evidence of compliance for audits
OKRs to enhance network security measures
- ObjectiveStrengthen network security
- KRConduct regular vulnerability assessments and remediation
- KRImplement two-factor authentication on all devices
- KRDecrease number of successful network breaches by 50%
- KRTrain 100% of employees on cybersecurity best practices
OKRs to become a computer security expert
- ObjectiveBecome a computer security expert
- KRSuccessfully pass the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) exam with a score of 80% or higher
- KRDevelop and execute a comprehensive security project, receiving positive feedback from industry experts
- Collaborate with industry experts to gather insights and recommendations for improving security measures
- Regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented security measures to ensure ongoing protection
- Develop and implement robust security protocols and controls across all systems and processes
- Conduct a thorough assessment of current security vulnerabilities and risks
- KRComplete at least two online courses on computer security, scoring above 90% in each
- Ensure mastery of course materials and aim to score above 90% in assessments
- Devote dedicated hours per week to studying and completing the online courses
- Research and identify two reputable online courses for computer security
- Enroll in the selected online courses on computer security
- KRImplement and manage effective security measures on personal computer resulting in zero malware incidents
- Install a reliable antivirus software program on the personal computer
- Enable automatic software updates for the operating system and all installed applications
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from untrustworthy sources
- Regularly update the antivirus software to ensure the latest protection against malware
OKRs to enhance and streamline security governance framework
- ObjectiveEnhance and streamline security governance framework
- KRAchieve 100% staff completion of cyber security training program
- Enforce disciplinary measures for non-compliance
- Assign mandatory cybersecurity training program to all staff
- Monitor progress of staff training completion weekly
- KRConduct a comprehensive risk assessment across all departments
- Evaluate and prioritize each potential risk
- Develop a plan to mitigate identified risks
- Identify the potential risks in each department
- KRImplement advanced threat detection system in 90% of the network infrastructure
- Test system coverage across the entire network infrastructure
- Identify current gaps in the network's threat detection system
- Procure and install advanced threat detection software
OKRs to minimize exposure to compliance and cybersecurity threats
- ObjectiveMinimize exposure to compliance and cybersecurity threats
- KREnhance cybersecurity measures to decrease cyber breaches by 30%
- Implement strict password policies and two-factor authentication system
- Perform regular cyber security audits and fix identified vulnerabilities
- Increase employee training on phishing scams and other cyber threats
- KRReduce compliance violations by 20% through implementation of stricter internal processes
- Conduct regular audit checks to identify potential violations
- Increase frequency of internal process assessments
- Implement comprehensive employee training on stricter internal processes
- KRTrain 90% of employees on updated compliance rules and cyberthreat awareness
- Develop an updated compliance and cyberthreat training program
- Enroll all employees in the training program
- Monitor employee participation rates to reach 90% completion
OKRs to enhance security measures to mitigate OTP attacks
- ObjectiveEnhance security measures to mitigate OTP attacks
- KRReduce unauthorized access attempts by 50% through enhanced account lockout mechanisms
- KRIncrease employee awareness and adherence to security protocols through regular training sessions
- Conduct bi-weekly security training sessions for all employees
- Offer incentives or rewards for employees who consistently demonstrate adherence to security protocols
- Provide employees with updated written materials outlining security protocols
- Utilize interactive training methods, such as quizzes or simulations, to engage employees
- KRImprove OTP delivery and verification mechanisms to ensure prompt and secure delivery
- KRImplement multi-factor authentication for all critical systems and user accounts
- Select and implement a reliable and user-friendly multi-factor authentication solution
- Regularly monitor and review multi-factor authentication logs and make necessary enhancements
- Notify all users of the upcoming implementation and provide necessary training and guidelines
- Conduct a thorough inventory of all critical systems and user accounts
OKRs to improve Security Operation Centre Incident Response
- ObjectiveImprove Security Operation Centre Incident Response
- KRReduce average incident response time by 15%
- Deploy automated incident detection and response tools
- Train team on efficient incident management practices
- Regularly conduct response time drills
- KRIncrease team's cyber security certification levels by 30%
- Plan and allocate budget for necessary certification exams and trainings
- Identify current cybersecurity certification levels of all team members
- Enroll team in targeted cybersecurity training programs
- KRImplement new incident tracking software with 100% team adoption
- Train team on new software usage
- Evaluate and select suitable incident tracking software
- Monitor and ensure full team adoption
How to write your own Cyber 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.
Cyber 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
Focus can only be achieve by limiting the number of competing priorities. It is crucial that you take the time to identify where you need to move the needle, and avoid adding business-as-usual activities to your OKRs.
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
Having good goals is only half the effort. You'll get significant more value from your OKRs if you commit to a weekly check-in process.
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 Cyber 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 Cyber Security OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
- OKRs to optimize talent acquisition and management processes
- OKRs to enhance inpatient coordination and manage workload effectively
- OKRs to achieve ISO 45001 and 14001 audit readiness
- OKRs to optimise the recent ERP implementation and rectify outstanding issues
- OKRs to enhance the verification process of paraprofessional claims
- OKRs to improve efficiency in client and team management