3 customisable OKR examples for Security Operations (secops)

What are Security Operations (secops) 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 Operations (secops). 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.

Building your own Security Operations (secops) OKRs with AI

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here. You can use our free AI generator below or our more complete goal-setting system to generate your own OKRs.

Our customisable Security Operations (secops) OKRs examples

You will find in the next section many different Security Operations (secops) 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!

1OKRs to fully integrate Abnormal Security tool in SecOps ecosystem with IT partnership

  • ObjectiveFully integrate Abnormal Security tool in SecOps ecosystem with IT partnership
  • Key ResultEliminate 75% of detected security threats using the Abnormal Security tool by term end
  • TaskUse Abnormal Security tool to neutralize threats
  • TaskIdentify and analyze detected security threats
  • TaskComplete training on Abnormal Security tool
  • Key ResultAchieve 90% Abnormal Security tool deployment across all IT infrastructure within quarter
  • TaskIdentify systems not yet using the Abnormal Security tool
  • TaskDevelop a staggered implementation schedule for all remaining infrastructure
  • TaskMonitor and report on deployment progress weekly
  • Key ResultConduct 3 collaborative training sessions to foster seamless use and understanding among SecOps team
  • TaskPrepare training materials and exercises
  • TaskSchedule 3 collaborative training sessions
  • TaskDetermine training topics relevant to SecOps team

2OKRs to implement SecOps playbooks for Abnormal security and Code42

  • ObjectiveImplement SecOps playbooks for Abnormal security and Code42
  • Key ResultDesign, test, and implement the Abnormal Security playbook improving threat response time by 25%
  • TaskAnalyze current Abnormal Security playbook for improvements
  • TaskImplement and monitor updated playbook in real-time
  • TaskDesign and test modifications for efficiency
  • Key ResultIdentify and map 10 vital security processes for playbook integration by week 4
  • TaskMap each process and its components
  • TaskIdentify 10 vital security processes for integration
  • TaskEnsure integration within playbook by week 4
  • Key ResultDevelop and enact the Code42 playbook, resulting in a 30% reduction in data loss incidents
  • TaskCreate and refine the comprehensive Code42 playbook
  • TaskImplement and train staff on the Code42 playbook
  • TaskAnalyze existing data loss scenarios and identify potential vulnerabilities

3OKRs to full deployment of Ember and Abnormal Security tools in SecOps

  • ObjectiveFull deployment of Ember and Abnormal Security tools in SecOps
  • Key ResultAchieve 100% operational status of both tools within the SecOps ecosystem by Week 12
  • TaskEvaluate current operational status of both tools
  • TaskImplement changes and verify 100% operational status
  • TaskIdentify necessary upgrades or repairs for both tools
  • Key ResultTrain IT team on Abnormal Security and Ember tools by the end of Week 6
  • TaskPrepare materials and resources for the training
  • TaskConduct post-training assessment by end of Week 6
  • TaskSchedule training sessions for IT team on both tools
  • Key ResultInstall and test Ember and Abnormal Security tools in the SecOps environment by Week 8
  • TaskTest both tools for effectiveness and efficiency
  • TaskInstall Abnormal Security tool in the SecOps environment
  • TaskInstall Ember tool in the SecOps environment

Security Operations (secops) OKR best practices to boost success

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.

Tability Insights DashboardTability's audit dashboard will highlight opportunities to improve OKRs

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.

Tability Insights DashboardTability's check-ins will save you hours and increase transparency

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 turn your Security Operations (secops) OKRs in a strategy map

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.

A strategy map in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

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 Operations (secops) OKR templates

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

OKRs resources

Here are a list of resources to help you adopt the Objectives and Key Results framework.

What's next? Try Tability's goal-setting AI

You can create an iterate on your OKRs using Tability's unique goal-setting AI.

Watch the demo below, then hop on the platform for a free trial.

Quick nav