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10 OKR examples for Cybersecurity

What are Cybersecurity 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.

Creating impactful OKRs can be a daunting task, especially for newcomers. Shifting your focus from projects to outcomes is key to successful planning.

We have curated a selection of OKR examples specifically for Cybersecurity to assist you. Feel free to explore the templates below for inspiration in setting your own goals.

If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.

Building your own Cybersecurity OKRs with AI

Using Tability AI to draft complete strategies in seconds

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.

See it in action in the video below 👇

Using the AI generator, you can:

  • Chat with an AI to draft your goals
  • Ask questions or provide feedback to refine the OKRs
  • Import the suggestion in an editor designed for goal setting
  • Switch back to a goal-tracking view in 1-click

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Using the free OKR generator to get a quick template

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.

Our Cybersecurity OKRs examples

We've added many examples of Cybersecurity 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!

1OKRs to enhance Cybersecurity Regulatory Intelligence

  • ObjectiveEnhance Cybersecurity Regulatory Intelligence
  • KRAchieve zero non-compliance issues in all half-yearly cybersecurity audits
  • TaskImplement regular cybersecurity training for all staff
  • TaskConduct frequent internal cybersecurity audits
  • TaskEstablish rigorous cybersecurity protocols company-wide
  • KRComplete certification for 2 new cybersecurity regulatory standards
  • TaskIdentify two cybersecurity regulatory standards to get certified in
  • TaskComplete and submit certification exams successfully
  • TaskSchedule and participate in the required training sessions
  • KRImplement one newly-adopted cybersecurity regulation across all digital platforms
  • TaskIdentify all digital platforms affected by the regulation
  • TaskDevelop a comprehensive implementation plan
  • TaskImplement and monitor the cybersecurity regulation
Tability

2OKRs to enhance our organization's cybersecurity risk assessment approach

  • ObjectiveEnhance our organization's cybersecurity risk assessment approach
  • KRImplement corrective measures for at least 75% of identified risks
  • TaskEstablish appropriate solutions for identified risks
  • TaskApply corrective measures to prioritized risks
  • TaskIdentify and list all the existing business risks
  • KRConduct training to improve cybersecurity knowledge for 90% of all team members
  • TaskSource or develop effective cybersecurity education materials
  • TaskSchedule and implement mandatory cybersecurity training sessions
  • TaskIdentify cybersecurity training needs and desired outcomes for team members
  • KRIdentify and document 100% of existing and potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities
  • TaskDocument identified vulnerabilities in a detailed report
  • TaskContinually monitor for potential new vulnerabilities
  • TaskConduct a comprehensive cybersecurity audit across all systems

3OKRs to strengthen cybersecurity governance and ensure compliance

  • ObjectiveStrengthen cybersecurity governance and ensure compliance
  • KRReduce cybersecurity incidents by 30% through enhanced security measures and systems
  • TaskConduct regular cybersecurity awareness trainings for employees
  • TaskEnforce strict password policies and two-factor authentication
  • TaskImplement advanced antivirus and firewall systems across all devices
  • KRImplement, test, and document improvements to 20% of security policies and protocols
  • TaskDevelop and implement improvements for selected policies
  • TaskIdentify 20% of security policies needing improvements
  • TaskWrite documentation detailing all modified protocols
  • KRComplete cybersecurity training and compliance certification for 90% of team members
  • TaskMonitor training progress and check completion
  • TaskFacilitate compliance certification for trained members
  • TaskIdentify and enroll team members in cybersecurity training

4OKRs to strengthen overall cybersecurity infrastructure

  • ObjectiveStrengthen overall cybersecurity infrastructure
  • KRConduct and pass two simulated cyber attacks without major system compromise
  • TaskDemonstrate successful defense in a post-simulation review
  • TaskPrepare and execute two different simulated cyber attack scenarios
  • TaskEvaluate and address vulnerabilities exposed from the simulations
  • KRTrain 95% of employees on latest cybersecurity best practices
  • TaskDevelop a comprehensive cybersecurity training module
  • TaskConduct a needs assessment for cybersecurity training
  • TaskSchedule and implement the training sessions
  • KRImplement multifactor authentication for all system users by end of quarter
  • TaskIdentify systems and platforms needing multifactor authentication
  • TaskTrain all system users on new authentication protocol
  • TaskSelect and purchase multifactor authentication software

5OKRs to enhance Product's Cybersecurity

  • ObjectiveEnhance Product's Cybersecurity
  • KRImplement two additional layers of authentication for user access to sensitive data
  • KRReduce the average response time for resolving cybersecurity incidents by 20%
  • TaskImplement real-time threat monitoring and detection systems to identify and respond to incidents promptly
  • TaskConduct regular cybersecurity training and awareness programs to improve incident response capabilities
  • TaskEnhance collaboration and communication between cybersecurity teams to streamline incident resolution processes
  • TaskDevelop and implement standardized incident response procedures for efficient and effective resolution
  • KRConduct a comprehensive vulnerability assessment and address identified issues within two weeks
  • KRIncrease cybersecurity training completion rate to 90% for all employees
  • TaskConduct regular assessments and evaluations to identify and address any barriers to training completion
  • TaskImplement a regular reminder system to notify employees about pending training and deadlines
  • TaskDevelop engaging online cybersecurity training modules with interactive exercises and gamification elements
  • TaskProvide incentives and rewards for employees who complete cybersecurity training on time

6OKRs to achieve full cybersecurity compliance across all systems

  • ObjectiveAchieve full cybersecurity compliance across all systems
  • KRImplement rigorous password protocol on all employee devices by providing secure training
  • TaskRegularly update and enforce password protocol
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive password security training program
  • TaskImplement mandatory training for all employees
  • KRAssess and mitigate 100% of identified vulnerabilities in our software infrastructure
  • TaskPrioritize identified vulnerabilities based on potential impact
  • TaskConduct comprehensive vulnerability assessment on entire software infrastructure
  • TaskDevelop and implement mitigation strategies for each vulnerability
  • KRSuccessfully pass an external cybersecurity audit with zero major infringement notices
  • TaskImplement robust cybersecurity policies and procedures
  • TaskPerform frequent internal cybersecurity audits
  • TaskRegularly update and patch all software systems

7OKRs to enhance the organization's cybersecurity infrastructure

  • ObjectiveEnhance the organization's cybersecurity infrastructure
  • KRImplement multi-factor authentication for all internal systems by the end of Q2
  • TaskImplement selected multi-factor authentication solution
  • TaskAssess current authentication methods across all systems
  • TaskIdentify suitable multi-factor authentication solutions
  • KRConduct cybersecurity training programs for 90% of employees
  • TaskIdentify the key cybersecurity principles for training content
  • TaskOrganize training schedules for employees
  • TaskEvaluate post-training comprehension and application
  • KRCarry out system vulnerability assessment every week to spot and fix any gaps
  • TaskImplement necessary fixes to detected vulnerabilities immediately
  • TaskAnalyze assessment results to identify security gaps
  • TaskSchedule weekly system vulnerability assessments

8OKRs to enhance organizational cybersecurity compliance

  • ObjectiveEnhance organizational cybersecurity compliance
  • KRGet certification in ISO 27001 standard for information security management
  • TaskDevelop and implement an information security management system
  • TaskResearch and understand the requirements of ISO 27001 certification
  • TaskApply for ISO 27001 certification and prepare for audit
  • KRAchieve 90% reduction in cybersecurity incidents by bolstering intrusion detection systems
  • TaskEngage staff in regular cybersecurity training sessions
  • TaskEnhance existing security measures across all digital touchpoints
  • TaskImplement advanced intrusion detection system software
  • KRImplement cybersecurity training for 100% of employees by quarter-end
  • TaskTrack employee attendance and progress
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive cybersecurity training curriculum
  • TaskSchedule mandatory training sessions for all employees
Tability

9OKRs to establish unparalleled data leak protection solution

  • ObjectiveEstablish unparalleled data leak protection solution
  • KRIncrease client satisfaction regarding data security by 25% through feedback surveys
  • TaskAnalyze survey responses for areas of improvement
  • TaskDevelop and execute strategies to address identified issues
  • TaskImplement consistent client feedback surveys on data security
  • KRDevelop and implement a cutting-edge encryption system by increasing R&D team by 15%
  • TaskExecute full implementation of new encryption system
  • TaskIdentify talent to expand R&D team by an additional 15%
  • TaskDevelop advanced encryption system prototype
  • KRReduce successful cyber attacks on our system by 80%
  • TaskImplement multi-factor authentication for all system users
  • TaskRegularly update and patch system software
  • TaskConduct frequent cybersecurity training for employees

10OKRs to enhance fraud detection and prevention in the payment system

  • ObjectiveEnhance fraud detection and prevention in the payment system
  • KRReduce the number of fraudulent transactions by 25% through enhanced system security
  • TaskInvest in fraud detection and prevention software
  • TaskConduct regular cybersecurity audits and fixes
  • TaskImplement advanced encryption techniques for payment transactions
  • KRImplement machine learning algorithms to increase fraud detection accuracy by 40%
  • TaskTrain the algorithms with historical fraud data
  • TaskSelect appropriate machine learning algorithms for fraud detection
  • TaskTest and tweak models' accuracy to achieve a 40% increase
  • KRTrain staff on new security protocols to reduce manual errors by 30%
  • TaskMonitor and evaluate reduction in manual errors post-training
  • TaskSchedule mandatory training sessions for all staff
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive training on new security protocols

Cybersecurity 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

Having too many OKRs is the #1 mistake that teams make when adopting the framework. The problem with tracking too many competing goals is that it will be hard for your team to know what really matters.

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

Setting good goals can be challenging, but without regular check-ins, your team will struggle to make progress. We recommend that you track your OKRs weekly to get the full benefits from the framework.

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 Cybersecurity 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

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 Cybersecurity OKR templates

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