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tability.ioWhat are It Security OKRs?
The OKR acronym stands for Objectives and Key Results. It's a goal-setting framework that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s, and it became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s. OKRs helps teams has a shared language to set ambitious goals and track progress towards them.
Formulating strong OKRs can be a complex endeavor, particularly for first-timers. Prioritizing outcomes over projects is crucial when developing your plans.
We've tailored a list of OKRs examples for It Security to help you. You can look at any of the templates below to get some inspiration for your own goals.
If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.
It Security OKRs examples
You'll find below a list of Objectives and Key Results templates for It Security. We also included strategic projects for each template to make it easier to understand the difference between key results and projects.
Hope you'll find this helpful!
OKRs to fully integrate Abnormal Security tool in SecOps ecosystem with IT partnership
ObjectiveFully integrate Abnormal Security tool in SecOps ecosystem with IT partnership
KREliminate 75% of detected security threats using the Abnormal Security tool by term end
Use Abnormal Security tool to neutralize threats- Identify and analyze detected security threats
- Complete training on Abnormal Security tool
- KRAchieve 90% Abnormal Security tool deployment across all IT infrastructure within quarter
- Identify systems not yet using the Abnormal Security tool
- Develop a staggered implementation schedule for all remaining infrastructure
- Monitor and report on deployment progress weekly
- KRConduct 3 collaborative training sessions to foster seamless use and understanding among SecOps team
- Prepare training materials and exercises
- Schedule 3 collaborative training sessions
- Determine training topics relevant to SecOps team
OKRs to upgrade and streamline physical security operations
- ObjectiveUpgrade and streamline physical security operations
- KRIncrease security coverage by 20% through additional surveillance systems
- Investigate current surveillance system capabilities and limitations
- Implement new surveillance systems accordingly
- Research and identify potential additional surveillance technology
- KRDecrease response times to security incidents by 25%
- KRImplement a digital security management system with 100% staff training completion
- Track and achieve 100% training completion
- Choose a comprehensive digital security management system
- Develop an all-staff training curriculum for the system
OKRs to enhance the organization's information technology efficiency and security
- ObjectiveEnhance the organization's information technology efficiency and security
- KRIncrease IT systems uptime to 99.9% across all operations
- Introduce proactive system performance monitoring
- Regularly update and patch all software systems
- Implement robust and diverse backup servers for essential systems
- KRImplement multi-factor authentication for 90% of users to enhance security
- Guide users through the multi-factor adoption process
- Choose a suitable multi-factor authentication system
- Identify and classify users based on access levels and security requirements
- KRDecrease system-related user complaints by 30% through proactive IT support improvements
- Enhance technical troubleshooting protocols
- Implement continuous monitoring for system performance
- Develop comprehensive IT support training programs
OKRs to implement and maintain SOCII compliance measures
- ObjectiveEnsure ongoing SOCII compliance
- KRConduct regular testing and auditing to assess SOCII compliance status
- KRTrain and educate all relevant teams on SOCII compliance regulations and best practices
- KRMonitor and promptly address any SOCII compliance gaps or violations identified
- Establish a dedicated team to promptly address and resolve any identified SOCII compliance issues
- Implement corrective measures to address identified SOCII compliance gaps promptly
- Conduct regular audits to identify any SOCII compliance gaps or violations
- Maintain a vigilant monitoring system to detect any new SOCII compliance violations
- KRImplement and maintain necessary controls and processes to meet SOCII requirements
- Conduct initial assessment of current controls and processes to identify gaps
- Develop and document new controls and processes to fulfill SOCII requirements
- Regularly monitor and evaluate controls and processes to ensure ongoing compliance
- Train and educate employees on the importance and execution of SOCII controls
OKRs to strengthen the company's network security defenses
- ObjectiveStrengthen the company's network security defenses
- KRTrain 90% of employees on new network security protocols within the next quarter
- Assess current understanding of network security protocols among employees
- Implement training, ensuring participation of at least 90% of employees
- Develop comprehensive training program on new security protocols
- KRImplement two-factor authentication for all user accounts by the end of next quarter
- Purchase and set up chosen authentication system
- Train users on new authentication system
- Research best two-factor authentication systems for our needs
- KRReduce the number of detected security breaches by 80% compared to last quarter
- Implement an updated, top-quality cybersecurity system
- Provide comprehensive cybersecurity training for all staff
- Conduct regular, intensive IT security audits
OKRs to enhance physical security capabilities for premise protection
- ObjectiveEnhance physical security capabilities for premise protection
- KRTrain 90% of security personnel on new security equipment usage
- Identify and list all security personnel requiring training
- Track and record training participation and completion
- Schedule training sessions on new equipment
- KRImplement surveillance system covering 100% of the premise area
- Test system thoroughly and adjust as necessary
- Identify blind spots and areas requiring camera installation
- Purchase and install necessary surveillance equipment
- KRAchieve zero security breaches in the test run of new measures
- Conduct frequent security audits and vulnerability assessments
- Implement strict access controls and authentication protocols
- Regularly update and patch all security software and systems
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
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 maintain up-to-date security patches on our infrastructure
- ObjectiveMaintain up-to-date security patches on our infrastructure
- KRAssess and catalog current state of security patches within two weeks
- Create a comprehensive catalog of findings
- Identify all systems and software requiring security updates
- Verify and document the existing security patches
- KRImplement 100% of identified necessary security updates by quarter's end
- Develop and execute a schedule for updates
- Complete and verify each security update
- Identify all required security updates
- KRDevelop and initiate routine weekly checks to confirm security patch updates
- Establish routine checks for these updates
- Identify necessary security patches weekly
- Implement and confirm successful patch updates
OKRs to improve Identity Access Management for large scale clients
- ObjectiveImprove Identity Access Management for large scale clients
- KRReduce access credential errors by 20%
- Introduce regular password update reminders for employees
- Implement a comprehensive access credential training program
- Upgrade access security software to reduce login errors
- KRImplement two-factor authentication for 90% of big customers
- Deploy system to selected clients
- Develop and test two-factor authentication system
- Identify 90% of biggest clients requiring two-factor authentication
- KRIncrease security incident response speed by 30%
- Train staff in faster threat identification procedures
- Implement automated threat detection and response tools
- Streamline incident reporting and escalation processes
How to write your own It 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.
It 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 It 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 It Security OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
- OKRs to optimize the Performance of BBPS v2 flows
- OKRs to eliminate disparities across mixed levels
- OKRs to boost market share through increased product sales
- OKRs to increase high-quality leads in the trade finance sector
- OKRs to improve user satisfaction through comprehensive training
- OKRs to broaden visibility and recognition of the brand