What are Security Controls 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 Controls. 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.
How to write your own Security Controls 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.
Security Controls OKRs examples
We've added many examples of Security Controls 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 establish robust security controls for DHS/ATO and NATO contracts
ObjectiveEstablish robust security controls for DHS/ATO and NATO contracts
KRConduct quarterly maintenance on all the security controls and document findings
Document observations and any maintenance executed- Review all security control systems thoroughly
- Perform necessary maintenance on security controls
- KRImplement 5 new security measures aligned with DHS/ATO requirements by a 100%
- Identify potential security measures that align with DHS/ATO requirements
- Implement and test the newly identified security measures
- Review existing security measures for any DHS/ATO non-compliance
- KRAchieve zero security breaches related to the NATO contracts information
- Implement strong encryption on all NATO-related digital communication
- Train staff in counter-intelligence and data protection practices
- Regularly perform rigorous security audits and fix vulnerabilities
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
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
Security Controls 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 Controls 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
We recommend using a spreadsheet for your first OKRs cycle. You'll need to get familiar with the scoring and tracking first. Then, you can scale your OKRs process by using a proper OKR-tracking tool for it.
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 Controls OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
- OKRs to achieve successful leadership and execution of the 12 days project
- OKRs to enhance leadership skills in the finance department
- OKRs to improve my performance in English class
- OKRs to improve efficiency in meeting accounting deadlines
- OKRs to develop a deep and meaningful relationship with her
- OKRs to develop a fair, competitive salary, benefits and housing strategy