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10 OKR examples for Security Team

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What are Security Team 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 Team. 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 Team 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 Team OKRs examples

You will find in the next section many different Security Team 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 upgrade security monitoring team skills and tools

  • ObjectiveUpgrade security monitoring team skills and tools
  • KRDecrease incident response time by 15%
  • TaskImplement efficient incident detection tools
  • TaskTrain teams on rapid incident response protocols
  • TaskSchedule regular response time audits
  • KRImplement advanced security training for 85% of the team
  • TaskIdentify members who need advanced security training
  • TaskSource experts for advanced security training
  • TaskSchedule and coordinate training sessions
  • KRIncrease the detection rate of suspicious activities by 25%
  • TaskTrain employees on identifying potential suspicious activities
  • TaskRegularly update and enhance security protocols
  • TaskImplement advanced analytics tools for better suspicious activity detection

OKRs to improve security incident handling between Resolver and SOC teams

  • ObjectiveImprove security incident handling between Resolver and SOC teams
  • KRReduce false positives in incident reports by 30%
  • TaskUpdate incident detection software for better precision
  • TaskImplement more rigorous verification procedures for incident reports
  • TaskTrain staff members on precise incident identification
  • KRDevelop a 20% faster response protocol for security incidents
  • TaskAnalyze current response times for security incidents
  • TaskStreamline communication within security procedures
  • TaskImplement and test adjusted security protocol
  • KRAchieve 15% improvement in post-incident feedback scores from the SOC team
  • TaskCreate a transparent and efficient communication channel with the SOC team
  • TaskImplement regular training to enhance SOC team's incident handling skills
  • TaskRegularly review and refine post-incident feedback process

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
  • TaskImplement security controls into sprints in Weeks 4-6
  • TaskDevelop detailed security control integration plans by Week 3
  • TaskIdentify security control requirements for both sprints in Week 1
  • KRFully train the team on security control integration by end of Week 3
  • TaskProvide comprehensive learning materials and resources for the team
  • TaskEvaluate team members' comprehensive understanding by end of Week 3
  • TaskSchedule mandatory team training sessions on security control integration
  • KRAchieve a decrease in security incidents by 40% by end of Week 9
  • TaskImplement a comprehensive cybersecurity training program for all employees
  • TaskFoster a company-wide culture of security vigilance
  • TaskUpgrade existing security infrastructure and software

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

  • ObjectiveFull deployment of Ember and Abnormal Security tools in SecOps
  • KRAchieve 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
  • KRTrain 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
  • KRInstall 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

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%
  • TaskImprove analyst training for accurate threat prediction
  • TaskRegularly update and fine-tune security system settings
  • TaskImplement advanced anomaly detection algorithms
  • KRIncrease identification of real threats by 20%
  • TaskImplement advanced threat detection systems
  • TaskConduct regular security awareness training
  • TaskStrengthen information sharing with allies
  • KRImprove SOC response time to threats by 15%
  • TaskConduct regular response time drills for SOC team
  • TaskImplement automated threat detection tools for quicker identification
  • TaskPrioritize 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%
  • TaskDeploy automated incident detection and response tools
  • TaskTrain team on efficient incident management practices
  • TaskRegularly conduct response time drills
  • KRIncrease team's cyber security certification levels by 30%
  • TaskPlan and allocate budget for necessary certification exams and trainings
  • TaskIdentify current cybersecurity certification levels of all team members
  • TaskEnroll team in targeted cybersecurity training programs
  • KRImplement new incident tracking software with 100% team adoption
  • TaskTrain team on new software usage
  • TaskEvaluate and select suitable incident tracking software
  • TaskMonitor 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%
  • TaskDevelop and implement changes to fill identified gaps
  • TaskIdentify gaps in the current information security solution
  • TaskTest and fine-tune the updated security solution
  • KRIdentify and understand the requirements of 10 major customers by consulting directly
  • TaskSchedule one-on-one meetings with each of the 10 major customers
  • TaskReview and analyze all customer feedback to understand requirements
  • TaskPrepare specific, clear questions for customer consultation
  • KRSuccessfully pass 10 customer audits confirming solution's compliance with their requirements
  • TaskReview and understand all customer's requirements for each solution
  • TaskConduct internal audits to ensure compliance with requirements
  • TaskCollect and organize evidence of compliance for audits

OKRs to enhance production security for optimal operation efficiency

  • ObjectiveEnhance production security for optimal operation efficiency
  • KRImplement a secure authentication system reducing security breaches by 30%
  • TaskImplement multi-factor authentication across all platforms
  • TaskRegularly update and test password encryption methods
  • TaskConduct staff training on secure password practices
  • KRConduct weekly vulnerability audits and reduce identified risks by 50%
  • TaskAnalyze audit results to identify potential risks
  • TaskSchedule weekly vulnerability audits for technical systems
  • TaskImplement measures to mitigate identified risks by 50%
  • KRTrain 90% of staff on updated security protocols and practices
  • TaskIdentify staff members who need security training
  • TaskMonitor and record staff training progress
  • TaskSchedule periodic training sessions

OKRs to secure local channels and gain market insights

  • ObjectiveSecure local channels and gain market insights
  • KRConduct regular market research to gather local market data and information
  • TaskConduct surveys or interviews to gather insights and preferences of local customers
  • TaskIdentify key competitors and their market share in the local market
  • TaskMonitor industry trends and analyze data to identify emerging opportunities in the local market
  • KREstablish partnerships with local stakeholders to enhance channel security
  • TaskCollaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement strategies for enhancing channel security
  • TaskIdentify key local stakeholders with expertise in channel security
  • TaskInitiate meetings with stakeholders to discuss potential partnership opportunities
  • KRIncrease security measures on local channels to reduce unauthorized access
  • TaskImplement two-factor authentication for all user accounts on local channels
  • TaskConduct regular security audits and penetration testing on local channels to identify and resolve vulnerabilities
  • TaskRegularly update and patch software on local channels to address security vulnerabilities
  • KRImplement data analytics tools to analyze market trends and consumer behavior
  • TaskTrain and educate the team on how to effectively use the selected data analytics tools
  • TaskResearch and compare various data analytics tools available in the market
  • TaskDetermine key metrics and indicators to track market trends and consumer behavior

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
  • TaskDevelop and implement comprehensive content security policies and guidelines
  • TaskRegularly update and patch content management systems and software to mitigate security risks
  • TaskProvide ongoing training and awareness programs to educate employees about content vulnerabilities
  • TaskConduct regular security audits to identify and address content vulnerabilities
  • KRIncrease overall security rating of the website as measured by independent security auditing tools
  • TaskImplement SSL/TLS certificates to enable secure HTTPS communication for the website
  • TaskConduct penetration tests to identify and fix potential weak points in the website's security
  • TaskImplement strong and unique passwords, two-factor authentication, and regular user access reviews
  • TaskRegularly update and patch all software and plugins to address known vulnerabilities
  • KRImplement and activate content security policy across all website pages
  • TaskDefine and document the content security policy guidelines and restrictions
  • TaskConduct a thorough website audit to identify potential security vulnerabilities
  • TaskTest and validate the implemented content security policy for effectiveness and accuracy
  • TaskModify 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
  • TaskImplement machine learning algorithms to optimize content security policy detection
  • TaskAnalyze log data to identify patterns and fine-tune alert triggers
  • TaskReview and update content security policy rules for better accuracy
  • TaskCollaborate with developers to eliminate false positives through code improvements

Security Team 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

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:

Spreadsheets are enough to get started. Then, once you need to scale you can use 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 Team OKR templates

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

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