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8 OKR examples for Network Security

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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.

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
  • TaskRegularly monitor and maintain the centralized logging infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted data capture
  • TaskAssess existing network infrastructure to identify suitable centralized logging solutions
  • TaskConfigure the centralized logging infrastructure to collect and store the network activity data
  • TaskDetermine 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
  • TaskRegularly review and fine-tune the integration and alerting processes to optimize incident response
  • TaskAnalyze current logging data sources and identify gaps for integration with the SIEM system
  • TaskDevelop standardized alerting rules within the SIEM system based on integrated logging data
  • TaskConfigure 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
  • TaskSet up a regular schedule for reviewing and analyzing network log data
  • TaskGenerate reports based on network log data analysis to prioritize and address vulnerabilities
  • TaskImplement necessary measures to resolve identified security vulnerabilities promptly and effectively
  • TaskUse 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
  • TaskAssess current understanding of network security protocols among employees
  • TaskImplement training, ensuring participation of at least 90% of employees
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive training program on new security protocols
  • KRImplement two-factor authentication for all user accounts by the end of next quarter
  • TaskPurchase and set up chosen authentication system
  • TaskTrain users on new authentication system
  • TaskResearch best two-factor authentication systems for our needs
  • KRReduce the number of detected security breaches by 80% compared to last quarter
  • TaskImplement an updated, top-quality cybersecurity system
  • TaskProvide comprehensive cybersecurity training for all staff
  • TaskConduct 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
  • TaskTrain team on efficient threat detection methods
  • TaskRegularly monitor and adjust correlation rules
  • TaskImplement advanced log correlation strategies
  • KRDetect and add logs from 100% of currently unmonitored network devices
  • TaskIdentify all currently unmonitored network devices
  • TaskImplement logging mechanism on each unmonitored device
  • TaskVerify 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
  • TaskWrite codes for 3 Abnormal Security integration playbooks
  • TaskValidate the effectiveness and efficiency of each playbook
  • TaskTest the functionality of all 3 playbooks
  • KRDefine and document 3 playbooks for Code42 integration without security breaches
  • TaskEnsure secure procedures are incorporated into guides
  • TaskDocument the integration process explicitly
  • TaskIdentify necessary features for Code42 integration playbooks
  • KRMeasure and ensure 90% of staff are trained on the new playbooks implementation
  • TaskSchedule and conduct training sessions with staff members
  • TaskConduct surveys or tests to confirm 90% staff training completion
  • TaskDevelop 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
  • TaskSchedule and communicate transition plan to all stakeholders
  • TaskDevelop contingency strategies addressing identified risks
  • TaskIdentify critical services and potential disruption risks
  • KRTrain 70% of IT staff on the operation of selected new access management tools
  • TaskOrganize and implement the scheduled training sessions
  • TaskChoose appropriate access management tools for training
  • TaskIdentify 70% of IT staff requiring access management training
  • KRIdentify and assess five potential replacement tools, determining suitability by end of quarter
  • TaskResearch and list five potential replacement tools
  • TaskEvaluate each tool's effectiveness and suitability
  • TaskPresent 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%
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive training modules on new AI systems
  • TaskImplement training sessions and measure proficiency increase
  • TaskIdentify AI and automation training needs of all SOC personnel
  • KRDevelop and integrate at least 2 AI-powered threat detection mechanisms into the SOC
  • TaskIdentify two suitable AI-powered threat detection systems
  • TaskImplement and test integration of AI systems in SOC
  • TaskDesign integration strategy for the chosen AI systems
  • KRDecrease response time to identified threats by 30% through automated protocols
  • TaskOptimize network infrastructure for speedy threat resolution
  • TaskImplement AI-based threat detection tools for real-time alerting
  • TaskTrain 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%
  • TaskRegularly review and update DLP protection strategy
  • TaskImplement DLP solutions on identified systems
  • TaskIdentify all critical systems lacking DLP protection
  • KREnsure 80% of employees are trained in DLP policy compliance by end of quarter
  • TaskIdentify employees needing DLP policy training
  • TaskMonitor and record employees' training progress
  • TaskSchedule mandatory DLP compliance training sessions
  • KRReduce data security incidents by 40% with DLP integration
  • TaskImplement DLP software across all company systems
  • TaskTrain employees on data loss prevention practices
  • TaskContinually monitor and update DLP systems as needed

How to write your own Network 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.

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.

AI feedback for OKRs in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

Tability 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 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:

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.

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