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tability.ioWhat are 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.
Writing good OKRs can be hard, especially if it's your first time doing it. You'll need to center the focus of your plans around outcomes instead of projects.
We understand that setting OKRs can be challenging, so we have prepared a set of examples tailored for Security. Take a peek at the templates below to find inspiration and kickstart your goal-setting process.
If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.
Security OKRs examples
We've added many examples of 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 improve website security through effective deployment of content security policy
ObjectiveImprove website security through effective deployment of content security policy
KRReduce the number of security breaches and incidents related to content vulnerabilities
Develop and implement comprehensive content security policies and guidelines- Regularly update and patch content management systems and software to mitigate security risks
- Provide ongoing training and awareness programs to educate employees about content vulnerabilities
- Conduct regular security audits to identify and address content vulnerabilities
- KRIncrease overall security rating of the website as measured by independent security auditing tools
- Implement SSL/TLS certificates to enable secure HTTPS communication for the website
- Conduct penetration tests to identify and fix potential weak points in the website's security
- Implement strong and unique passwords, two-factor authentication, and regular user access reviews
- Regularly update and patch all software and plugins to address known vulnerabilities
- KRImplement and activate content security policy across all website pages
- Define and document the content security policy guidelines and restrictions
- Conduct a thorough website audit to identify potential security vulnerabilities
- Test and validate the implemented content security policy for effectiveness and accuracy
- Modify website code to include the content security policy header on all pages
- KREnhance user experience by minimizing false positive alerts from the content security policy
- Implement machine learning algorithms to optimize content security policy detection
- Analyze log data to identify patterns and fine-tune alert triggers
- Review and update content security policy rules for better accuracy
- Collaborate with developers to eliminate false positives through code improvements
OKRs to strengthen SOC effectiveness to increase security operations productivity
- ObjectiveStrengthen SOC effectiveness to increase security operations productivity
- KRReduce false positive alarms from SOC by 30%
- Improve analyst training for accurate threat prediction
- Regularly update and fine-tune security system settings
- Implement advanced anomaly detection algorithms
- KRIncrease identification of real threats by 20%
- Implement advanced threat detection systems
- Conduct regular security awareness training
- Strengthen information sharing with allies
- KRImprove SOC response time to threats by 15%
- Conduct regular response time drills for SOC team
- Implement automated threat detection tools for quicker identification
- Prioritize high-impact threats for immediate response
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 upgrade security monitoring team skills and tools
- ObjectiveUpgrade security monitoring team skills and tools
- KRDecrease incident response time by 15%
- Implement efficient incident detection tools
- Train teams on rapid incident response protocols
- Schedule regular response time audits
- KRImplement advanced security training for 85% of the team
- Identify members who need advanced security training
- Source experts for advanced security training
- Schedule and coordinate training sessions
- KRIncrease the detection rate of suspicious activities by 25%
- Train employees on identifying potential suspicious activities
- Regularly update and enhance security protocols
- Implement advanced analytics tools for better suspicious activity detection
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 improve AI security requirements operationalization for developers’ comprehension
- ObjectiveImprove AI security requirements operationalization for developers’ comprehension
- KRDevelop and deploy a standardized AI security guideline by 25%
- Draft a comprehensive AI security guideline
- Reduce guideline by 25% focusing on core elements
- Implement the streamlined AI security guideline across all systems
- KRReduce misunderstandings in AI security requirements by 30% through improved documentation
- Conduct regular staff trainings highlighting documentation procedures
- Establish clear, concise writing guidelines for technical content
- Implement a standardized format for all AI security requirement documents
- KRConduct bi-weekly developer trainings on new AI security protocols resulting in 80% adherence
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 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 integrate security controls into development sprints
- ObjectiveIntegrate security controls into development sprints
- KRSuccessfully incorporate security controls into two sprints by end of Week 6
- Implement security controls into sprints in Weeks 4-6
- Develop detailed security control integration plans by Week 3
- Identify security control requirements for both sprints in Week 1
- KRFully train the team on security control integration by end of Week 3
- Provide comprehensive learning materials and resources for the team
- Evaluate team members' comprehensive understanding by end of Week 3
- Schedule mandatory team training sessions on security control integration
- KRAchieve a decrease in security incidents by 40% by end of Week 9
- Implement a comprehensive cybersecurity training program for all employees
- Foster a company-wide culture of security vigilance
- Upgrade existing security infrastructure and software
How to write your own 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.
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
The #1 role of OKRs is to help you and your team focus on what really matters. Business-as-usual activities will still be happening, but you do not need to track your entire roadmap in the OKRs.
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
Don't fall into the set-and-forget trap. It is important to adopt a weekly check-in process to get the full value of your OKRs and make your strategy agile – otherwise this is nothing more than a reporting exercise.
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 Security OKRs
OKRs without regular progress updates are just KPIs. You'll need to update progress on your OKRs every week to get the full 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 Security OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
- OKRs to enhance English reading proficiency and comprehension
- OKRs to implement a laboratory procedure mentorship program
- OKRs to elevate proficiency and scores in Mathematics
- OKRs to streamline BIM resolves for on-site construction issues
- OKRs to improve staff retention and foster a positive work culture
- OKRs to increase financial sustainability of our non-profit organisation