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tability.ioWhat are Cybersecurity 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 Cybersecurity 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.
Cybersecurity OKRs examples
We've added many examples of Cybersecurity 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 enhance Cybersecurity Regulatory Intelligence
ObjectiveEnhance Cybersecurity Regulatory Intelligence
KRAchieve zero non-compliance issues in all half-yearly cybersecurity audits
Implement regular cybersecurity training for all staff- Conduct frequent internal cybersecurity audits
- Establish rigorous cybersecurity protocols company-wide
- KRComplete certification for 2 new cybersecurity regulatory standards
- Identify two cybersecurity regulatory standards to get certified in
- Complete and submit certification exams successfully
- Schedule and participate in the required training sessions
- KRImplement one newly-adopted cybersecurity regulation across all digital platforms
- Identify all digital platforms affected by the regulation
- Develop a comprehensive implementation plan
- Implement and monitor the cybersecurity regulation
OKRs to enhance our organization's cybersecurity risk assessment approach
- ObjectiveEnhance our organization's cybersecurity risk assessment approach
- KRImplement corrective measures for at least 75% of identified risks
- Establish appropriate solutions for identified risks
- Apply corrective measures to prioritized risks
- Identify and list all the existing business risks
- KRConduct training to improve cybersecurity knowledge for 90% of all team members
- Source or develop effective cybersecurity education materials
- Schedule and implement mandatory cybersecurity training sessions
- Identify cybersecurity training needs and desired outcomes for team members
- KRIdentify and document 100% of existing and potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities
- Document identified vulnerabilities in a detailed report
- Continually monitor for potential new vulnerabilities
- Conduct a comprehensive cybersecurity audit across all systems
OKRs to strengthen cybersecurity governance and ensure compliance
- ObjectiveStrengthen cybersecurity governance and ensure compliance
- KRReduce cybersecurity incidents by 30% through enhanced security measures and systems
- Conduct regular cybersecurity awareness trainings for employees
- Enforce strict password policies and two-factor authentication
- Implement advanced antivirus and firewall systems across all devices
- KRImplement, test, and document improvements to 20% of security policies and protocols
- Develop and implement improvements for selected policies
- Identify 20% of security policies needing improvements
- Write documentation detailing all modified protocols
- KRComplete cybersecurity training and compliance certification for 90% of team members
- Monitor training progress and check completion
- Facilitate compliance certification for trained members
- Identify and enroll team members in cybersecurity training
OKRs to strengthen overall cybersecurity infrastructure
- ObjectiveStrengthen overall cybersecurity infrastructure
- KRConduct and pass two simulated cyber attacks without major system compromise
- Demonstrate successful defense in a post-simulation review
- Prepare and execute two different simulated cyber attack scenarios
- Evaluate and address vulnerabilities exposed from the simulations
- KRTrain 95% of employees on latest cybersecurity best practices
- Develop a comprehensive cybersecurity training module
- Conduct a needs assessment for cybersecurity training
- Schedule and implement the training sessions
- KRImplement multifactor authentication for all system users by end of quarter
- Identify systems and platforms needing multifactor authentication
- Train all system users on new authentication protocol
- Select and purchase multifactor authentication software
OKRs to enhance Product's Cybersecurity
- ObjectiveEnhance Product's Cybersecurity
- KRImplement two additional layers of authentication for user access to sensitive data
- KRReduce the average response time for resolving cybersecurity incidents by 20%
- Implement real-time threat monitoring and detection systems to identify and respond to incidents promptly
- Conduct regular cybersecurity training and awareness programs to improve incident response capabilities
- Enhance collaboration and communication between cybersecurity teams to streamline incident resolution processes
- Develop and implement standardized incident response procedures for efficient and effective resolution
- KRConduct a comprehensive vulnerability assessment and address identified issues within two weeks
- KRIncrease cybersecurity training completion rate to 90% for all employees
- Conduct regular assessments and evaluations to identify and address any barriers to training completion
- Implement a regular reminder system to notify employees about pending training and deadlines
- Develop engaging online cybersecurity training modules with interactive exercises and gamification elements
- Provide incentives and rewards for employees who complete cybersecurity training on time
OKRs to achieve full cybersecurity compliance across all systems
- ObjectiveAchieve full cybersecurity compliance across all systems
- KRImplement rigorous password protocol on all employee devices by providing secure training
- Regularly update and enforce password protocol
- Develop comprehensive password security training program
- Implement mandatory training for all employees
- KRAssess and mitigate 100% of identified vulnerabilities in our software infrastructure
- Prioritize identified vulnerabilities based on potential impact
- Conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessment on entire software infrastructure
- Develop and implement mitigation strategies for each vulnerability
- KRSuccessfully pass an external cybersecurity audit with zero major infringement notices
- Implement robust cybersecurity policies and procedures
- Perform frequent internal cybersecurity audits
- Regularly update and patch all software systems
OKRs to enhance the organization's cybersecurity infrastructure
- ObjectiveEnhance the organization's cybersecurity infrastructure
- KRImplement multi-factor authentication for all internal systems by the end of Q2
- Implement selected multi-factor authentication solution
- Assess current authentication methods across all systems
- Identify suitable multi-factor authentication solutions
- KRConduct cybersecurity training programs for 90% of employees
- Identify the key cybersecurity principles for training content
- Organize training schedules for employees
- Evaluate post-training comprehension and application
- KRCarry out system vulnerability assessment every week to spot and fix any gaps
- Implement necessary fixes to detected vulnerabilities immediately
- Analyze assessment results to identify security gaps
- Schedule weekly system vulnerability assessments
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 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 fraud detection and prevention in the payment system
- ObjectiveEnhance fraud detection and prevention in the payment system
- KRReduce the number of fraudulent transactions by 25% through enhanced system security
- Invest in fraud detection and prevention software
- Conduct regular cybersecurity audits and fixes
- Implement advanced encryption techniques for payment transactions
- KRImplement machine learning algorithms to increase fraud detection accuracy by 40%
- Train the algorithms with historical fraud data
- Select appropriate machine learning algorithms for fraud detection
- Test and tweak models' accuracy to achieve a 40% increase
- KRTrain staff on new security protocols to reduce manual errors by 30%
- Monitor and evaluate reduction in manual errors post-training
- Schedule mandatory training sessions for all staff
- Develop comprehensive training on new security protocols
How to write your own Cybersecurity 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.
Cybersecurity 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 Cybersecurity OKRs
The rules of OKRs are simple. Quarterly OKRs should be tracked weekly, and yearly OKRs should be tracked monthly. 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 Cybersecurity OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
- OKRs to boost monthly revenue
- OKRs to enhance cross-functional cooperation within our teams
- OKRs to increase wealth by improving income and managing spending
- OKRs to enhance lead generation processes for more qualified leads
- OKRs to boost our digital subscription numbers
- OKRs to master new relevant technical skills