What are Cyber Security Team 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 Team 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.
How to write your own Cyber Security Team OKRs
Option 1. Turn ideas into OKRs with Tability AI
While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here.
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 Team OKRs examples
We've added many examples of Cyber Security Team 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 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 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
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 strengthen cybersecurity to reduce incidents by 50%
- ObjectiveImprove cybersecurity to minimize incidents
- KRCreate and test updated incident response and disaster recovery procedures
- Develop and document updated incident response and disaster recovery plans
- Identify stakeholders and their roles in incident response and disaster recovery
- Train employees on updated procedures and conduct mock drills
- Evaluate effectiveness of updated procedures and make necessary adjustments
- KRIncrease the number of cybersecurity training sessions attended by employees
- Regularly communicate the importance of cybersecurity to employees
- Develop engaging cybersecurity training content
- Offer incentives for attending cybersecurity training sessions
- Implement mandatory cybersecurity training for all employees
- KRConduct two external security audits to identify vulnerabilities
- Review and implement audit findings
- Monitor security vulnerabilities and take appropriate actions
- Share relevant security information
- Hire third-party audit firms
- KRImplement two-factor authentication for high-risk data access
- Implement authentication for high-risk data
- Choose two-factor authentication method
- Train employees on new authentication method
- Test and monitor authentication effectiveness
OKRs to establish unparalleled data leak protection solution
- ObjectiveEstablish unparalleled data leak protection solution
- KRIncrease client satisfaction regarding data security by 25% through feedback surveys
- Analyze survey responses for areas of improvement
- Develop and execute strategies to address identified issues
- Implement consistent client feedback surveys on data security
- KRDevelop and implement a cutting-edge encryption system by increasing R&D team by 15%
- Execute full implementation of new encryption system
- Identify talent to expand R&D team by an additional 15%
- Develop advanced encryption system prototype
- KRReduce successful cyber attacks on our system by 80%
- Implement multi-factor authentication for all system users
- Regularly update and patch system software
- Conduct frequent cybersecurity training for employees
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 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 organizational cybersecurity compliance
- ObjectiveEnhance organizational cybersecurity compliance
- KRGet certification in ISO 27001 standard for information security management
- Develop and implement an information security management system
- Research and understand the requirements of ISO 27001 certification
- Apply for ISO 27001 certification and prepare for audit
- KRAchieve 90% reduction in cybersecurity incidents by bolstering intrusion detection systems
- Engage staff in regular cybersecurity training sessions
- Enhance existing security measures across all digital touchpoints
- Implement advanced intrusion detection system software
- KRImplement cybersecurity training for 100% of employees by quarter-end
- Track employee attendance and progress
- Develop comprehensive cybersecurity training curriculum
- Schedule mandatory training sessions for all employees
OKRs to enhance the bank's IT security infrastructure
- ObjectiveEnhance the bank's IT security infrastructure
- KRImplement multi-factor authentication for 90% of bank's systems
- Train IT staff on authentication tech installation and integration
- Identify all systems currently lacking multi-factor authentication
- Purchase needed hardware/software for multi-factor authentication implementation
- KRConduct cybersecurity training for 100% of IT staff
- Monitor and record staff training completion rates
- Schedule training sessions for all IT staff
- Identify and engage a reputable cybersecurity training provider
- KRReduce system vulnerability by 30% with penetration testing and patching
- Promptly patch identified system vulnerabilities
- Analyze results to identify areas of weakness
- Schedule regular penetration testing for system vulnerabilities
Cyber Security Team 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 Cyber Security Team OKRs
Quarterly OKRs should have weekly updates to get all the benefits from the 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
Spreadsheets are enough to get started. Then, once you need to scale you can use a proper OKR platform to make things easier.
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 Team OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
- OKRs to successfully complete 80% of the content project
- OKRs to achieve proficient utilization of the ERP system
- OKRs to enhance the quality standards of our product portfolio
- OKRs to enhance physical security capabilities for premise protection
- OKRs to enhance collaboration and performance in the marketing team
- OKRs to boost sales performance significantly