Get Tability: OKRs that don't suck | Learn more →

5 OKR examples for Security Department

Turn your spreadsheets into OKR dashboards with Tability

Tability is a cheatcode for goal-driven teams. Set perfect OKRs with AI, stay focused on the work that matters.

What are Security Department 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 Department. 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.

The best tools for writing perfect Security Department OKRs

Here are 2 tools that can help you draft your OKRs in no time.

Tability AI: to generate OKRs based on a prompt

Tability AI allows you to describe your goals in a prompt, and generate a fully editable OKR template in seconds.

Watch the video below to see it in action 👇

Tability Feedback: to improve existing OKRs

You can use Tability's AI feedback to improve your OKRs if you already have existing goals.

AI feedback for OKRs in Tability

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.

Security Department OKRs examples

You will find in the next section many different Security Department Objectives and Key Results. We've included strategic initiatives in our templates to give you a better idea of the different between the key results (how we measure progress), and the initiatives (what we do to achieve the results).

Hope you'll find this helpful!

OKRs to enhance company security standards to safeguard against potential threats

  • ObjectiveEnhance company security standards to safeguard against potential threats
  • KRAchieve a 100% completion rate of all recommended security updates and patches
  • TaskConduct routine audits to ensure all devices and systems have the latest security patches
  • TaskProvide ongoing training and awareness programs to educate employees on the importance of installing security updates
  • TaskImplement an automated system to regularly scan and identify available security updates
  • TaskEstablish a policy for prompt installation and deployment of all identified security updates
  • KRImplement a comprehensive training program on cybersecurity for all employees
  • TaskCreate an online platform to provide ongoing access to cybersecurity resources and learning materials
  • TaskSchedule regular training sessions to ensure all employees receive cybersecurity education
  • TaskAssign qualified trainers to deliver interactive and engaging cybersecurity training sessions
  • TaskDevelop a customized cybersecurity training curriculum tailored to different employee roles
  • KRReduce the average response time to security incidents by 20%
  • TaskStreamline incident response workflows to remove unnecessary steps and improve efficiency
  • TaskDevelop a clear escalation process and ensure all stakeholders are aware and trained
  • TaskConduct regular simulations and exercises to enhance incident response readiness and identify areas for improvement
  • TaskImplement automated monitoring systems to identify and alert on security incidents promptly
  • KRIncrease the frequency of security audits to at least once every quarter
  • TaskAssign specific personnel responsible for conducting security audits
  • TaskDevelop a standardized reporting format for security audit findings and recommendations
  • TaskImplement regular communication channels to track and monitor security audit progress
  • TaskReview and update security audit checklist to ensure comprehensive coverage

OKRs to become a computer security expert

  • ObjectiveBecome a computer security expert
  • KRSuccessfully pass the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) exam with a score of 80% or higher
  • KRDevelop and execute a comprehensive security project, receiving positive feedback from industry experts
  • TaskCollaborate with industry experts to gather insights and recommendations for improving security measures
  • TaskRegularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented security measures to ensure ongoing protection
  • TaskDevelop and implement robust security protocols and controls across all systems and processes
  • TaskConduct a thorough assessment of current security vulnerabilities and risks
  • KRComplete at least two online courses on computer security, scoring above 90% in each
  • TaskEnsure mastery of course materials and aim to score above 90% in assessments
  • TaskDevote dedicated hours per week to studying and completing the online courses
  • TaskResearch and identify two reputable online courses for computer security
  • TaskEnroll in the selected online courses on computer security
  • KRImplement and manage effective security measures on personal computer resulting in zero malware incidents
  • TaskInstall a reliable antivirus software program on the personal computer
  • TaskEnable automatic software updates for the operating system and all installed applications
  • TaskAvoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from untrustworthy sources
  • TaskRegularly update the antivirus software to ensure the latest protection against malware

OKRs to implement Crowdstrike enterprise endpoint security with new features

  • ObjectiveImplement Crowdstrike enterprise endpoint security with new features
  • KRSuccessfully integrate Crowdstrike into 75% of enterprise endpoints by week 8
  • TaskInstall and configure Crowdstrike on identified endpoints
  • TaskIdentify and categorize 75% of enterprise endpoints for Crowdstrike integration
  • TaskConduct testing and troubleshooting post-integration
  • KRIdentify and document necessary Crowdstrike features for enterprise integration by week 4
  • TaskReview Crowdstrike's offerings and identify essential features for enterprise integration
  • TaskEstablish a deadline for completing this task in week 4
  • TaskDocument the integration process with all essential features
  • KRConduct user training on Crowdstrike's new features for all key staff by week 12
  • TaskIdentify key staff for Crowdstrike's new features training
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive user training plan
  • TaskConduct training sessions by week 12

OKRs to enhance security posture and governance as CISO Manager

  • ObjectiveEnhance security posture and governance as CISO Manager
  • KRReduce the number of security incidents by 20%
  • TaskEnhance employee training on cybersecurity practices
  • TaskIncrease monitoring and intrusion detection efforts
  • TaskImplement routine system updates and security patches
  • KRConduct quarterly cybersecurity training for all employees
  • TaskSchedule and announce training sessions to all employees
  • TaskIdentify relevant cybersecurity topics for training modules
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive yet straightforward training materials
  • KRImplement multi-factor authentication for 90% of systems
  • TaskIdentify which systems currently lack multi-factor authentication
  • TaskMonitor and report regularly on progress until 90% completion
  • TaskInstigate the addition of multi-factor authentication to necessary systems

OKRs to enhance the effectiveness of the vulnerability management program

  • ObjectiveEnhance the effectiveness of the vulnerability management program
  • KRImplement updates to the vulnerability detection system by 25%
  • TaskPlan and develop necessary system updates and enhancements
  • TaskExecute implementation of updated system at 25% capacity
  • TaskAssess current vulnerability detection system for potential improvements
  • KRConduct training sessions for 80% of the IT staff on improved vulnerability management practices
  • TaskSchedule and conduct the training sessions
  • TaskCreate an advanced vulnerability management curriculum
  • TaskIdentify IT staff that require vulnerability management training
  • KRReduce the number of vulnerability incidents by 30%
  • TaskRegularly train staff about online threats
  • TaskImplement an updated, robust cybersecurity program
  • TaskRun weekly system vulnerability checks

Security Department 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.

Save hours with automated OKR dashboards

AI feedback for OKRs in Tability

Quarterly OKRs should have weekly updates to get all the benefits from the framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:

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 Tability to save time with automated OKR dashboards, data connectors, and actionable insights.

How to get Tability dashboards:

That's it! Tability will instantly get access to 10+ dashboards to monitor progress, visualise trends, and identify risks early.

More Security Department OKR templates

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.

Table of contents