What are Network 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.
OKRs are quickly gaining popularity as a goal-setting framework. But, it's not always easy to know how to write your goals, especially if it's your first time using OKRs.
To aid you in setting your goals, we have compiled a collection of OKR examples customized for Network 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.
How to write your own Network Security 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.
Network Security OKRs examples
We've added many examples of Network 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 strengthen network security through enhanced logging capabilities
ObjectiveStrengthen network security through enhanced logging capabilities
KRImplement centralized logging infrastructure to capture and store network activity data
Regularly monitor and maintain the centralized logging infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted data capture- Assess existing network infrastructure to identify suitable centralized logging solutions
- Configure the centralized logging infrastructure to collect and store the network activity data
- Determine the appropriate tools and technologies required for capturing network activity data
- KRIncrease network security by configuring an intrusion detection system (IDS) with real-time monitoring capabilities
- KRImprove incident response effectiveness by integrating logging data with a security information and event management (SIEM) system
- Regularly review and fine-tune the integration and alerting processes to optimize incident response
- Analyze current logging data sources and identify gaps for integration with the SIEM system
- Develop standardized alerting rules within the SIEM system based on integrated logging data
- Configure the SIEM system to ingest and aggregate logging data from all relevant sources
- KRIdentify and resolve security vulnerabilities by regularly reviewing and analyzing network log data
- Set up a regular schedule for reviewing and analyzing network log data
- Generate reports based on network log data analysis to prioritize and address vulnerabilities
- Implement necessary measures to resolve identified security vulnerabilities promptly and effectively
- Use security software to identify and monitor potential security vulnerabilities
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 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 SIEM visibility via diversified log monitoring
- ObjectiveEnhance SIEM visibility via diversified log monitoring
- KRIncrease log correlation effectiveness by 20% to improve threat detection
- Train team on efficient threat detection methods
- Regularly monitor and adjust correlation rules
- Implement advanced log correlation strategies
- KRDetect and add logs from 100% of currently unmonitored network devices
- Identify all currently unmonitored network devices
- Implement logging mechanism on each unmonitored device
- Verify logs are correctly setup and functioning
- KRIncorporate 30% more diverse log sources into the SIEM system
OKRs to securely integrate Code42 and Abnormal Security with existing operations
- ObjectiveSecurely integrate Code42 and Abnormal Security with existing operations
- KRDevelop, test, and validate 3 playbooks for Abnormal Security integration
- Write codes for 3 Abnormal Security integration playbooks
- Validate the effectiveness and efficiency of each playbook
- Test the functionality of all 3 playbooks
- KRDefine and document 3 playbooks for Code42 integration without security breaches
- Ensure secure procedures are incorporated into guides
- Document the integration process explicitly
- Identify necessary features for Code42 integration playbooks
- KRMeasure and ensure 90% of staff are trained on the new playbooks implementation
- Schedule and conduct training sessions with staff members
- Conduct surveys or tests to confirm 90% staff training completion
- Develop extensive training modules for new playbooks implementation
OKRs to implement phase one of privilege access management tool replacement
- ObjectiveImplement phase one of privilege access management tool replacement
- KRDevelop detailed transition plan to ensure zero service disruptions
- Schedule and communicate transition plan to all stakeholders
- Develop contingency strategies addressing identified risks
- Identify critical services and potential disruption risks
- KRTrain 70% of IT staff on the operation of selected new access management tools
- Organize and implement the scheduled training sessions
- Choose appropriate access management tools for training
- Identify 70% of IT staff requiring access management training
- KRIdentify and assess five potential replacement tools, determining suitability by end of quarter
- Research and list five potential replacement tools
- Evaluate each tool's effectiveness and suitability
- Present findings and recommendation by the deadline
OKRs to boost SOC efficiency via AI enhancements and automation implementation
- ObjectiveBoost SOC efficiency via AI enhancements and automation implementation
- KRTrain all SOC personnel on new AI and automation systems to increase proficiency by 50%
- Develop comprehensive training modules on new AI systems
- Implement training sessions and measure proficiency increase
- Identify AI and automation training needs of all SOC personnel
- KRDevelop and integrate at least 2 AI-powered threat detection mechanisms into the SOC
- Identify two suitable AI-powered threat detection systems
- Implement and test integration of AI systems in SOC
- Design integration strategy for the chosen AI systems
- KRDecrease response time to identified threats by 30% through automated protocols
- Optimize network infrastructure for speedy threat resolution
- Implement AI-based threat detection tools for real-time alerting
- Train staff on new automated threat response protocols
OKRs to implement network DLP to limit disruption and data loss
- ObjectiveImplement network DLP to limit disruption and data loss
- KRIncrease DLP coverage across all critical systems by 60%
- Regularly review and update DLP protection strategy
- Implement DLP solutions on identified systems
- Identify all critical systems lacking DLP protection
- KREnsure 80% of employees are trained in DLP policy compliance by end of quarter
- Identify employees needing DLP policy training
- Monitor and record employees' training progress
- Schedule mandatory DLP compliance training sessions
- KRReduce data security incidents by 40% with DLP integration
- Implement DLP software across all company systems
- Train employees on data loss prevention practices
- Continually monitor and update DLP systems as needed
Network 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 Network Security 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
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 Network Security OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
- OKRs to identify and assess new growth opportunities
- OKRs to implement standard operating procedures effectively
- OKRs to ensure shadow IT alignment with corporate policy
- OKRs to automate approval emails integration into Salesforce
- OKRs to successfully complete my college lab class within initial nine weeks
- OKRs to deliver an excellent product with seamless usability