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10 OKR examples for Information Security

What are Information Security 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.

Formulating strong OKRs can be a complex endeavor, particularly for first-timers. Prioritizing outcomes over projects is crucial when developing your plans.

We've tailored a list of OKRs examples for Information Security to help you. You can look at any of the templates below to get some inspiration for your own goals.

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

Building your own Information Security OKRs with AI

How to create great OKRs for any scenario 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.

  • 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.

How to improve existing OKRs with AI feedback

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"

AI feedback for OKRs in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

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.

You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.

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 Information Security OKRs examples

You'll find below a list of Objectives and Key Results templates for Information Security. We also included strategic projects for each template to make it easier to understand the difference between key results and projects.

Hope you'll find this helpful!

1OKRs 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
Tability

2OKRs to achieve ISO 27001 certification with an action plan

  • ObjectiveAchieve ISO 27001 certification with an action plan
  • KRDevelop and implement necessary policies and procedures to align with ISO 27001 standards
  • TaskDevelop new policies and procedures to meet ISO 27001 standards
  • TaskCommunicate and train employees on the new policies and procedures
  • TaskConduct a gap analysis to identify policy and procedure gaps
  • TaskRegularly review and update policies and procedures to ensure compliance with ISO 27001
  • KRConduct a comprehensive gap analysis to identify all compliance requirements
  • KRSuccessfully pass the external ISO 27001 certification audit conducted by a certified auditor
  • TaskUpdate and document all necessary processes and procedures in accordance with ISO 27001
  • TaskConduct a comprehensive review of the ISO 27001 standard requirements and guidelines
  • TaskImplement a risk management framework aligned with the ISO 27001 requirements
  • TaskTrain employees on ISO 27001 procedures and their roles in maintaining compliance
  • KRTrain all employees on information security awareness and best practices

3OKRs to attain ISO 27001 certification

  • ObjectiveAchieve ISO 27001 certification
  • KRImplement necessary controls and measures to address identified risks and improve information security
  • TaskRegularly monitor and test the effectiveness of implemented controls and measures
  • TaskEstablish strong access controls and authentication mechanisms to protect sensitive information
  • TaskConduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities and potential threats
  • TaskDevelop and implement security policies and procedures based on the identified risks
  • KRTrain all employees on information security policies and procedures to ensure compliance
  • TaskDevelop a comprehensive training program on information security policies and procedures
  • TaskConduct mandatory training sessions for all employees on information security policies and procedures
  • TaskProvide all employees with updated written materials outlining information security policies and procedures
  • TaskRegularly assess and evaluate employees' understanding of information security policies and procedures
  • KRConduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify gaps in information security practices
  • TaskDevelop action plans to address and close the identified gaps in information security practices
  • TaskIdentify potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the existing information security infrastructure
  • TaskReview current information security practices and policies
  • TaskAssess the potential impact of identified risks on the organization's information and data
  • KRSuccessfully pass the ISO 27001 certification audit conducted by an accredited external body
  • TaskAddress any identified gaps or weaknesses in the information security controls
  • TaskPrepare and organize all required documentation and evidence for the audit process
  • TaskImplement necessary improvements to align with ISO 27001 requirements and best practices
  • TaskConduct a thorough internal review of all information security controls and processes

4OKRs to obtain ISO 27001 certification

  • ObjectiveAchieve ISO 27001 certification
  • KRAddress all identified non-conformities and implement corrective actions promptly
  • TaskMonitor the progress of implemented corrective actions and report any deviations promptly
  • TaskDevelop a corrective action plan outlining steps to resolve each non-conformity
  • TaskReview and document all identified non-conformities from the assessment
  • TaskAssign responsible individuals to execute the corrective actions within specified timelines
  • KRPass the external audit with no major findings and obtain ISO 27001 certification
  • TaskConduct regular internal audits to ensure ongoing compliance with ISO 27001 requirements
  • TaskWork closely with external auditors to address any findings and promptly resolve them
  • TaskImplement necessary security controls and procedures to address identified gaps
  • TaskReview existing security controls and identify gaps or areas for improvement
  • KRConduct a successful internal audit to ensure compliance with ISO 27001 requirements
  • TaskDevelop and implement corrective actions for identified non-compliance issues
  • TaskConduct interviews and surveys to gather feedback from employees on compliance practices
  • TaskAssess and document the effectiveness of existing security controls
  • TaskReview and update company policies to align with ISO 27001 requirements
  • KRImplement necessary security controls to comply with ISO 27001 standards

5OKRs to enhance the organization's information technology efficiency and security

  • ObjectiveEnhance the organization's information technology efficiency and security
  • KRIncrease IT systems uptime to 99.9% across all operations
  • TaskIntroduce proactive system performance monitoring
  • TaskRegularly update and patch all software systems
  • TaskImplement robust and diverse backup servers for essential systems
  • KRImplement multi-factor authentication for 90% of users to enhance security
  • TaskGuide users through the multi-factor adoption process
  • TaskChoose a suitable multi-factor authentication system
  • TaskIdentify and classify users based on access levels and security requirements
  • KRDecrease system-related user complaints by 30% through proactive IT support improvements
  • TaskEnhance technical troubleshooting protocols
  • TaskImplement continuous monitoring for system performance
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive IT support training programs

6OKRs 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

7OKRs to implement cutting-edge bot detection technologies for website data

  • ObjectiveImplement cutting-edge bot detection technologies for website data
  • KRAchieve 95% accuracy rate in detecting bots using newly implemented technologies
  • TaskContinuously refine and update the models deployed
  • TaskTest algorithms with diverse sets of data
  • TaskImplement new machine learning algorithms for bot detection
  • KRIntegrate and test 3 selected bot detection technologies on our website
  • TaskChoose three suitable bot detection technologies for our website
  • TaskConduct thorough testing to ensure effectiveness
  • TaskImplement these technologies into our site's backend
  • KRIdentify and study 10 new bot detection methods from industry research
  • TaskAnalyze each method's pros, cons, and applicability
  • TaskSelect 10 recent industry research on bot detection methods
  • TaskPrepare a report summarizing findings

8OKRs 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
  • TaskEstablish a dedicated team to promptly address and resolve any identified SOCII compliance issues
  • TaskImplement corrective measures to address identified SOCII compliance gaps promptly
  • TaskConduct regular audits to identify any SOCII compliance gaps or violations
  • TaskMaintain a vigilant monitoring system to detect any new SOCII compliance violations
  • KRImplement and maintain necessary controls and processes to meet SOCII requirements
  • TaskConduct initial assessment of current controls and processes to identify gaps
  • TaskDevelop and document new controls and processes to fulfill SOCII requirements
  • TaskRegularly monitor and evaluate controls and processes to ensure ongoing compliance
  • TaskTrain and educate employees on the importance and execution of SOCII controls
Tability

9OKRs to improve the effectiveness and security of Identity Access Management (IAM) initiatives

  • ObjectiveImprove the effectiveness and security of Identity Access Management (IAM) initiatives
  • KRReduce IAM-related security incidents by 20%
  • TaskImplement multi-factor authentication for IAM systems
  • TaskUpdate and enforce strict password policies
  • TaskConduct regular IAM security training sessions
  • KRImplement two-factor authentication for all employee IAM accounts
  • TaskPurchase and install selected two-factor authentication software
  • TaskTrain employees on how to use the new authentication process
  • TaskResearch suitable two-factor authentication software for IAM accounts
  • KRIncrease IAM user compliance rate by 30%
  • TaskImplement stricter IAM user permission policies
  • TaskProvide regular IAM user compliance training
  • TaskRegularly audit and correct non-compliant IAM users

10OKRs to enhance MFA capabilities and user access review process

  • ObjectiveEnhance MFA capabilities and user access review process
  • KRConduct user access reviews for 100% of active accounts
  • TaskResolve any inappropriate access findings
  • TaskIdentify all active accounts in the system
  • TaskReview access privileges for each account
  • KRImplement an advanced MFA system with at least 95% successful user authentication rate
  • TaskMonitor and improve authentication success rate post-implementation
  • TaskIdentify a reliable advanced MFA system to install
  • TaskPlan and execute staff training on the MFA system
  • KRTrain all employees on new MFA capabilities and access review processes to boost compliance by 90%
  • TaskPlan a comprehensive training on new MFA capabilities for all employees
  • TaskMonitor and track compliance rates, aiming to achieve a 90% increase
  • TaskConduct the training, focusing on access review processes

Information Security 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 Information Security OKRs

Your quarterly OKRs should be tracked weekly in order to get all the benefits of the OKRs 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 Information Security OKR templates

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