15 customisable OKR examples for Security Manager

What are Security Manager 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 Manager. 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 Manager 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.

Feel free to explore our tools:

Use our free OKR generator
Use Tability, a complete platform to set and track OKRs and initiatives, including a GPT-4 powered goal generator

Our customisable Security Manager OKRs examples

You will find in the next section many different Security Manager 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!

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 enhance security posture and governance as CISO Manager

Enhance security posture and governance as CISO Manager
Reduce the number of security incidents by 20%
Enhance employee training on cybersecurity practices
Increase monitoring and intrusion detection efforts
Implement routine system updates and security patches
Conduct quarterly cybersecurity training for all employees
Schedule and announce training sessions to all employees
Identify relevant cybersecurity topics for training modules
Develop comprehensive yet straightforward training materials
Implement multi-factor authentication for 90% of systems
Identify which systems currently lack multi-factor authentication
Monitor and report regularly on progress until 90% completion
Instigate the addition of multi-factor authentication to necessary systems

security-posture multi-factor-authentication ciso-manager cybersecurity-trainer security-team it-department

Implement this OKR

3. OKRs to enhance overall system access management

Enhance overall system access management
Implement two-factor authentication for 80% of users
Determine necessary resources for two-factor authentication implementation
Develop an implementation strategy focusing on 80% user coverage
Communicate these changes and provide user support for transition
Decrease unauthorized access attempts by 50%
Implement two-factor authentication for all system logins
Run frequent security training sessions for employees
Regularly update and strengthen password policies
Train 90% of staff on new access management procedures
Identify employees needing training in access management procedures
Implement and monitor progress of training sessions
Coordinate with HR to schedule mandatory procedure training sessions

two-factor-authentication access-management security-manager hr-manager security-team human-resources-team

Implement this OKR

4. OKRs to implement network DLP to limit disruption and data loss

Implement network DLP to limit disruption and data loss
Increase DLP coverage across all critical systems by 60%
Regularly review and update DLP protection strategy
Implement DLP solutions on identified systems
Identify all critical systems lacking DLP protection
Ensure 80% of employees are trained in DLP policy compliance by end of quarter
Identify employees needing DLP policy training
Monitor and record employees' training progress
Schedule mandatory DLP compliance training sessions
Reduce data security incidents by 40% with DLP integration
Implement DLP software across all company systems
Train employees on data loss prevention practices
Continually monitor and update DLP systems as needed

data-loss-prevention employee-training it-security-manager hr-manager it-security-team human-resources-team

Implement this OKR

5. OKRs to upgrade and streamline physical security operations

Upgrade and streamline physical security operations
Increase security coverage by 20% through additional surveillance systems
Investigate current surveillance system capabilities and limitations
Implement new surveillance systems accordingly
Research and identify potential additional surveillance technology
Decrease response times to security incidents by 25%
Implement a digital security management system with 100% staff training completion
Track and achieve 100% training completion
Choose a comprehensive digital security management system
Develop an all-staff training curriculum for the system

physical-security employee-training security-manager it-administrator physical-security-team it-support-team

Implement this OKR

6. OKRs to attain ISO 27001 certification

Achieve ISO 27001 certification
Implement necessary controls and measures to address identified risks and improve information security
Regularly monitor and test the effectiveness of implemented controls and measures
Establish strong access controls and authentication mechanisms to protect sensitive information
Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities and potential threats
Develop and implement security policies and procedures based on the identified risks
Train all employees on information security policies and procedures to ensure compliance
Develop a comprehensive training program on information security policies and procedures
Conduct mandatory training sessions for all employees on information security policies and procedures
Provide all employees with updated written materials outlining information security policies and procedures
Regularly assess and evaluate employees' understanding of information security policies and procedures
Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify gaps in information security practices
Develop action plans to address and close the identified gaps in information security practices
Identify potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the existing information security infrastructure
Review current information security practices and policies
Assess the potential impact of identified risks on the organization's information and data
Successfully pass the ISO 27001 certification audit conducted by an accredited external body
Address any identified gaps or weaknesses in the information security controls
Prepare and organize all required documentation and evidence for the audit process
Implement necessary improvements to align with ISO 27001 requirements and best practices
Conduct a thorough internal review of all information security controls and processes

iso-27001-certification information-security-management information-security-manager risk-assessment-coordinator security-team compliance-team

Implement this OKR

7. OKRs to enhance network security measures

Strengthen network security
Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and remediation
Implement two-factor authentication on all devices
Decrease number of successful network breaches by 50%
Train 100% of employees on cybersecurity best practices

network-security cyber-threats network-security-analyst security-operations-manager it-director

Implement this OKR

8. 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

9. OKRs to implement and maintain SOCII compliance measures

Ensure ongoing SOCII compliance
Conduct regular testing and auditing to assess SOCII compliance status
Train and educate all relevant teams on SOCII compliance regulations and best practices
Monitor and promptly address any SOCII compliance gaps or violations identified
Establish a dedicated team to promptly address and resolve any identified SOCII compliance issues
Implement corrective measures to address identified SOCII compliance gaps promptly
Conduct regular audits to identify any SOCII compliance gaps or violations
Maintain a vigilant monitoring system to detect any new SOCII compliance violations
Implement and maintain necessary controls and processes to meet SOCII requirements
Conduct initial assessment of current controls and processes to identify gaps
Develop and document new controls and processes to fulfill SOCII requirements
Regularly monitor and evaluate controls and processes to ensure ongoing compliance
Train and educate employees on the importance and execution of SOCII controls

socii-compliance information-security-controls compliance-officer it-security-manager compliance-team it-security-team

Implement this OKR

10. OKRs to maintain up-to-date security patches on our infrastructure

Maintain up-to-date security patches on our infrastructure
Assess and catalog current state of security patches within two weeks
Create a comprehensive catalog of findings
Identify all systems and software requiring security updates
Verify and document the existing security patches
Implement 100% of identified necessary security updates by quarter's end
Develop and execute a schedule for updates
Complete and verify each security update
Identify all required security updates
Develop and initiate routine weekly checks to confirm security patch updates
Establish routine checks for these updates
Identify necessary security patches weekly
Implement and confirm successful patch updates

security-patches infrastructure-maintenance it-manager system-administrator it-security systems-management-team

Implement this OKR

11. OKRs to enhance application security knowledge and awareness among teams

Improve application security knowledge and awareness
Increase the frequency of security checklist reviews by 50%
Conduct at least one security training session per team
Provide secure coding guidelines and best practices to each team
Implement a mandatory security certification program for all teams

application-security knowledge it-security-manager training-coordinator development-team-lead

Implement this OKR

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

Improve the effectiveness and security of Identity Access Management (IAM) initiatives
Reduce IAM-related security incidents by 20%
Implement multi-factor authentication for IAM systems
Update and enforce strict password policies
Conduct regular IAM security training sessions
Implement two-factor authentication for all employee IAM accounts
Purchase and install selected two-factor authentication software
Train employees on how to use the new authentication process
Research suitable two-factor authentication software for IAM accounts
Increase IAM user compliance rate by 30%
Implement stricter IAM user permission policies
Provide regular IAM user compliance training
Regularly audit and correct non-compliant IAM users

identity-access-management two-factor-authentication iam-security-officer compliance-manager information-security-team compliance-team

Implement this OKR

13. OKRs to improve Identity Access Management for large scale clients

Improve Identity Access Management for large scale clients
Reduce access credential errors by 20%
Introduce regular password update reminders for employees
Implement a comprehensive access credential training program
Upgrade access security software to reduce login errors
Implement two-factor authentication for 90% of big customers
Deploy system to selected clients
Develop and test two-factor authentication system
Identify 90% of biggest clients requiring two-factor authentication
Increase security incident response speed by 30%
Train staff in faster threat identification procedures
Implement automated threat detection and response tools
Streamline incident reporting and escalation processes

identity-access-management two-factor-authentication security-manager it-administrator security-team it-operations-team

Implement this OKR

14. OKRs to strengthen cybersecurity to reduce incidents by 50%

Improve cybersecurity to minimize incidents
Create and test updated incident response and disaster recovery procedures
Develop and document updated incident response and disaster recovery plans
Identify stakeholders and their roles in incident response and disaster recovery
Train employees on updated procedures and conduct mock drills
Evaluate effectiveness of updated procedures and make necessary adjustments
Increase the number of cybersecurity training sessions attended by employees
Regularly communicate the importance of cybersecurity to employees
Develop engaging cybersecurity training content
Offer incentives for attending cybersecurity training sessions
Implement mandatory cybersecurity training for all employees
Conduct two external security audits to identify vulnerabilities
Review and implement audit findings
Monitor security vulnerabilities and take appropriate actions
Share relevant security information
Hire third-party audit firms
Implement two-factor authentication for high-risk data access
Implement authentication for high-risk data
Choose two-factor authentication method
Train employees on new authentication method
Test and monitor authentication effectiveness

cybersecurity incidents security-analyst it-manager security-team it-team

Implement this OKR

15. OKRs to enhance MFA capabilities and user access review process

Enhance MFA capabilities and user access review process
Conduct user access reviews for 100% of active accounts
Resolve any inappropriate access findings
Identify all active accounts in the system
Review access privileges for each account
Implement an advanced MFA system with at least 95% successful user authentication rate
Monitor and improve authentication success rate post-implementation
Identify a reliable advanced MFA system to install
Plan and execute staff training on the MFA system
Train all employees on new MFA capabilities and access review processes to boost compliance by 90%
Plan a comprehensive training on new MFA capabilities for all employees
Monitor and track compliance rates, aiming to achieve a 90% increase
Conduct the training, focusing on access review processes

multi-factor-authentication user-access-review information-security-officer compliance-manager it-security-team compliance-team

Implement this OKR

Security Manager 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 Manager 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

Spreadsheets are enough to get started. Then, once you need to scale you can use a proper OKR platform to make things easier.

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 Manager 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

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