15 customisable OKR examples for Security

What are 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.

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. 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 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 OKRs examples

We've added many examples of Security 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!

1. OKRs to improve website security through effective deployment of content security policy

Improve website security through effective deployment of content security policy
Reduce the number of security breaches and incidents related to content vulnerabilities
Develop and implement comprehensive content security policies and guidelines
Regularly update and patch content management systems and software to mitigate security risks
Provide ongoing training and awareness programs to educate employees about content vulnerabilities
Conduct regular security audits to identify and address content vulnerabilities
Increase overall security rating of the website as measured by independent security auditing tools
Implement SSL/TLS certificates to enable secure HTTPS communication for the website
Conduct penetration tests to identify and fix potential weak points in the website's security
Implement strong and unique passwords, two-factor authentication, and regular user access reviews
Regularly update and patch all software and plugins to address known vulnerabilities
Implement and activate content security policy across all website pages
Define and document the content security policy guidelines and restrictions
Conduct a thorough website audit to identify potential security vulnerabilities
Test and validate the implemented content security policy for effectiveness and accuracy
Modify website code to include the content security policy header on all pages
Enhance user experience by minimizing false positive alerts from the content security policy
Implement machine learning algorithms to optimize content security policy detection
Analyze log data to identify patterns and fine-tune alert triggers
Review and update content security policy rules for better accuracy
Collaborate with developers to eliminate false positives through code improvements

Implement this OKR

2. OKRs to strengthen SOC effectiveness to increase security operations productivity

Strengthen SOC effectiveness to increase security operations productivity
Reduce false positive alarms from SOC by 30%
Improve analyst training for accurate threat prediction
Regularly update and fine-tune security system settings
Implement advanced anomaly detection algorithms
Increase identification of real threats by 20%
Implement advanced threat detection systems
Conduct regular security awareness training
Strengthen information sharing with allies
Improve SOC response time to threats by 15%
Conduct regular response time drills for SOC team
Implement automated threat detection tools for quicker identification
Prioritize high-impact threats for immediate response

security-operations-center false-positive-alarms security-analyst security-manager information-security-team incident-response-team

Implement this OKR

3. OKRs to improve Security Operation Centre Incident Response

Improve Security Operation Centre Incident Response
Reduce average incident response time by 15%
Deploy automated incident detection and response tools
Train team on efficient incident management practices
Regularly conduct response time drills
Increase team's cyber security certification levels by 30%
Plan and allocate budget for necessary certification exams and trainings
Identify current cybersecurity certification levels of all team members
Enroll team in targeted cybersecurity training programs
Implement new incident tracking software with 100% team adoption
Train team on new software usage
Evaluate and select suitable incident tracking software
Monitor and ensure full team adoption

incident-response security-operation-centre security-operations-manager security-analyst security-operations-team cybersecurity-training-team

Implement this OKR

4. OKRs to ensure information security solution meets large customer requirements

Ensure information security solution meets large customer requirements
Adjust our existing information security solution to match found requirements 100%
Develop and implement changes to fill identified gaps
Identify gaps in the current information security solution
Test and fine-tune the updated security solution
Identify and understand the requirements of 10 major customers by consulting directly
Schedule one-on-one meetings with each of the 10 major customers
Review and analyze all customer feedback to understand requirements
Prepare specific, clear questions for customer consultation
Successfully pass 10 customer audits confirming solution's compliance with their requirements
Review and understand all customer's requirements for each solution
Conduct internal audits to ensure compliance with requirements
Collect and organize evidence of compliance for audits

information-security customer-requirements cyber-security-developer security-compliance-auditor information-security-team customer-compliance-team

Implement this OKR

5. OKRs to upgrade security monitoring team skills and tools

Upgrade security monitoring team skills and tools
Decrease incident response time by 15%
Implement efficient incident detection tools
Train teams on rapid incident response protocols
Schedule regular response time audits
Implement advanced security training for 85% of the team
Identify members who need advanced security training
Source experts for advanced security training
Schedule and coordinate training sessions
Increase the detection rate of suspicious activities by 25%
Train employees on identifying potential suspicious activities
Regularly update and enhance security protocols
Implement advanced analytics tools for better suspicious activity detection

security-enhancement incident-response security-monitoring-team incident-response-team it-security-team security-training-team

Implement this OKR

6. OKRs to strengthen network security through enhanced logging capabilities

Strengthen network security through enhanced logging capabilities
Implement centralized logging infrastructure to capture and store network activity data
Regularly monitor and maintain the centralized logging infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted data capture
Assess existing network infrastructure to identify suitable centralized logging solutions
Configure the centralized logging infrastructure to collect and store the network activity data
Determine the appropriate tools and technologies required for capturing network activity data
Increase network security by configuring an intrusion detection system (IDS) with real-time monitoring capabilities
Improve incident response effectiveness by integrating logging data with a security information and event management (SIEM) system
Regularly review and fine-tune the integration and alerting processes to optimize incident response
Analyze current logging data sources and identify gaps for integration with the SIEM system
Develop standardized alerting rules within the SIEM system based on integrated logging data
Configure the SIEM system to ingest and aggregate logging data from all relevant sources
Identify and resolve security vulnerabilities by regularly reviewing and analyzing network log data
Set up a regular schedule for reviewing and analyzing network log data
Generate reports based on network log data analysis to prioritize and address vulnerabilities
Implement necessary measures to resolve identified security vulnerabilities promptly and effectively
Use security software to identify and monitor potential security vulnerabilities

network-security logging-infrastructure network-administrator security-analyst network-security-team incident-response-team

Implement this OKR

7. OKRs to improve AI security requirements operationalization for developers’ comprehension

Improve AI security requirements operationalization for developers’ comprehension
Develop and deploy a standardized AI security guideline by 25%
Draft a comprehensive AI security guideline
Reduce guideline by 25% focusing on core elements
Implement the streamlined AI security guideline across all systems
Reduce misunderstandings in AI security requirements by 30% through improved documentation
Conduct regular staff trainings highlighting documentation procedures
Establish clear, concise writing guidelines for technical content
Implement a standardized format for all AI security requirement documents
Conduct bi-weekly developer trainings on new AI security protocols resulting in 80% adherence

ai-security-protocols developer-training security-analyst developer software-development security-team

Implement this OKR

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

Fully integrate Abnormal Security tool in SecOps ecosystem with IT partnership
Eliminate 75% of detected security threats using the Abnormal Security tool by term end
Use Abnormal Security tool to neutralize threats
Identify and analyze detected security threats
Complete training on Abnormal Security tool
Achieve 90% Abnormal Security tool deployment across all IT infrastructure within quarter
Identify systems not yet using the Abnormal Security tool
Develop a staggered implementation schedule for all remaining infrastructure
Monitor and report on deployment progress weekly
Conduct 3 collaborative training sessions to foster seamless use and understanding among SecOps team
Prepare training materials and exercises
Schedule 3 collaborative training sessions
Determine training topics relevant to SecOps team

abnormal-security-tool threat-detection it-administrator security-operations-analyst it security-operations-(secops)

Implement this OKR

9. OKRs to enhance physical security capabilities for premise protection

Enhance physical security capabilities for premise protection
Train 90% of security personnel on new security equipment usage
Identify and list all security personnel requiring training
Track and record training participation and completion
Schedule training sessions on new equipment
Implement surveillance system covering 100% of the premise area
Test system thoroughly and adjust as necessary
Identify blind spots and areas requiring camera installation
Purchase and install necessary surveillance equipment
Achieve zero security breaches in the test run of new measures
Conduct frequent security audits and vulnerability assessments
Implement strict access controls and authentication protocols
Regularly update and patch all security software and systems

physical-security-enhancements premises-protection security-personnel it-support-staff security-team it-infrastructure-team

Implement this OKR

10. OKRs to integrate security controls into development sprints

Integrate security controls into development sprints
Successfully incorporate security controls into two sprints by end of Week 6
Implement security controls into sprints in Weeks 4-6
Develop detailed security control integration plans by Week 3
Identify security control requirements for both sprints in Week 1
Fully train the team on security control integration by end of Week 3
Provide comprehensive learning materials and resources for the team
Evaluate team members' comprehensive understanding by end of Week 3
Schedule mandatory team training sessions on security control integration
Achieve a decrease in security incidents by 40% by end of Week 9
Implement a comprehensive cybersecurity training program for all employees
Foster a company-wide culture of security vigilance
Upgrade existing security infrastructure and software

security-control development-sprints security-coordinator development-team-lead development-team security-team

Implement this OKR

11. OKRs to implement comprehensive security training for all staff

Implement comprehensive security training for all staff
Successfully train 90% of staff through the newly launched security program
Schedule and implement regular training sessions
Develop concise, engaging materials for staff training
Identify key individuals for initial pilot of security program training
Develop a detailed security training curriculum by engaging external consultants
Collaborate on curriculum details and learning objectives
Initiate a contract with chosen security consultant team
Identify reputable external consultants in security training development
Assess training effectiveness by improving security incident response time by 25%
Develop a benchmark for current security incident response times
Monitor and evaluate post-training response times
Implement advanced training techniques to improve reaction times

security-training incident-response-time training-coordinator security-consultant training-and-development-team security-team

Implement this OKR

12. OKRs to enhance security measures to mitigate OTP attacks

Enhance security measures to mitigate OTP attacks
Reduce unauthorized access attempts by 50% through enhanced account lockout mechanisms
Increase employee awareness and adherence to security protocols through regular training sessions
Conduct bi-weekly security training sessions for all employees
Offer incentives or rewards for employees who consistently demonstrate adherence to security protocols
Provide employees with updated written materials outlining security protocols
Utilize interactive training methods, such as quizzes or simulations, to engage employees
Improve OTP delivery and verification mechanisms to ensure prompt and secure delivery
Implement multi-factor authentication for all critical systems and user accounts
Select and implement a reliable and user-friendly multi-factor authentication solution
Regularly monitor and review multi-factor authentication logs and make necessary enhancements
Notify all users of the upcoming implementation and provide necessary training and guidelines
Conduct a thorough inventory of all critical systems and user accounts

security-protocols multi-factor-authentication cybersecurity-manager security-training-facilitator it-security-team hr-development-team

Implement this OKR

13. OKRs to successfully complete annual security training

Successfully complete annual security training
Apply learned procedures in simulated security scenarios with zero errors
Practice procedures until executed flawlessly
Review and memorize security procedures thoroughly
Engage in regular simulated security situations
Achieve a minimum of 85% score in end-of-training examination
Seek instructor feedback and clarification when needed
Review all training materials and take detailed notes
Complete daily self-assessments to track progress
Complete 100% of allocated course modules by end of quarter
Reserve dedicated study hours every day
Monitor progress regularly against targets
Set a weekly target for completing course modules

security-training skill-assessment security-trainee training-instructor security-team training-and-development-team

Implement this OKR

14. OKRs to strengthen the company's network security defenses

Strengthen the company's network security defenses
Train 90% of employees on new network security protocols within the next quarter
Assess current understanding of network security protocols among employees
Implement training, ensuring participation of at least 90% of employees
Develop comprehensive training program on new security protocols
Implement two-factor authentication for all user accounts by the end of next quarter
Purchase and set up chosen authentication system
Train users on new authentication system
Research best two-factor authentication systems for our needs
Reduce the number of detected security breaches by 80% compared to last quarter
Implement an updated, top-quality cybersecurity system
Provide comprehensive cybersecurity training for all staff
Conduct regular, intensive IT security audits

network-security two-factor-authentication network-security-officer it-training-coordinator it-security-team hr-training-team

Implement this OKR

15. OKRs to enhance company security standards to safeguard against potential threats

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

cybersecurity security-audits security-auditor cybersecurity-trainer security-department it-department

Implement this OKR

Security 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'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'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 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.

Tability'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 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.

To learn: What is the meaning of OKRs
Blog posts: ODT Blog
Success metrics: KPIs examples

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.

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