15 customisable OKR examples for Security Team
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.
Building your own Security Team 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 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!
1. 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
2. OKRs to improve security incident handling between Resolver and SOC teams
- Improve security incident handling between Resolver and SOC teams
- Reduce false positives in incident reports by 30%
- Update incident detection software for better precision
- Implement more rigorous verification procedures for incident reports
- Train staff members on precise incident identification
- Develop a 20% faster response protocol for security incidents
- Analyze current response times for security incidents
- Streamline communication within security procedures
- Implement and test adjusted security protocol
- Achieve 15% improvement in post-incident feedback scores from the SOC team
- Create a transparent and efficient communication channel with the SOC team
- Implement regular training to enhance SOC team's incident handling skills
- Regularly review and refine post-incident feedback process
3. 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
4. OKRs to full deployment of Ember and Abnormal Security tools in SecOps
- Full deployment of Ember and Abnormal Security tools in SecOps
- Achieve 100% operational status of both tools within the SecOps ecosystem by Week 12
- Evaluate current operational status of both tools
- Implement changes and verify 100% operational status
- Identify necessary upgrades or repairs for both tools
- Train IT team on Abnormal Security and Ember tools by the end of Week 6
- Prepare materials and resources for the training
- Conduct post-training assessment by end of Week 6
- Schedule training sessions for IT team on both tools
- Install and test Ember and Abnormal Security tools in the SecOps environment by Week 8
- Test both tools for effectiveness and efficiency
- Install Abnormal Security tool in the SecOps environment
- Install Ember tool in the SecOps environment
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. OKRs to enhance production security for optimal operation efficiency
- Enhance production security for optimal operation efficiency
- Implement a secure authentication system reducing security breaches by 30%
- Implement multi-factor authentication across all platforms
- Regularly update and test password encryption methods
- Conduct staff training on secure password practices
- Conduct weekly vulnerability audits and reduce identified risks by 50%
- Analyze audit results to identify potential risks
- Schedule weekly vulnerability audits for technical systems
- Implement measures to mitigate identified risks by 50%
- Train 90% of staff on updated security protocols and practices
- Identify staff members who need security training
- Monitor and record staff training progress
- Schedule periodic training sessions
9. OKRs to secure local channels and gain market insights
- Secure local channels and gain market insights
- Conduct regular market research to gather local market data and information
- Conduct surveys or interviews to gather insights and preferences of local customers
- Identify key competitors and their market share in the local market
- Monitor industry trends and analyze data to identify emerging opportunities in the local market
- Establish partnerships with local stakeholders to enhance channel security
- Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement strategies for enhancing channel security
- Identify key local stakeholders with expertise in channel security
- Initiate meetings with stakeholders to discuss potential partnership opportunities
- Increase security measures on local channels to reduce unauthorized access
- Implement two-factor authentication for all user accounts on local channels
- Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing on local channels to identify and resolve vulnerabilities
- Regularly update and patch software on local channels to address security vulnerabilities
- Implement data analytics tools to analyze market trends and consumer behavior
- Train and educate the team on how to effectively use the selected data analytics tools
- Research and compare various data analytics tools available in the market
- Determine key metrics and indicators to track market trends and consumer behavior
10. 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
11. OKRs to bolster Protection Against P1 Issues
- Bolster Protection Against P1 Issues
- Improve first-time resolution rate for P1 issues to 70% across all teams
- Train agents on P1 issue recognition and resolution
- Implement P1 issue escalation protocol
- Regularly review P1 resolution analytics
- Implement a 25% reduction in P1 issues through improved security protocols
- Train staff in improved security protocols
- Identify vulnerabilities in current security protocols
- Develop improved, stringent security measures
- Achieve 90% staff training completion on new security measures by quarter end
- Monitor and report staff training progress regularly
- Schedule mandatory training sessions for all staff
- Develop comprehensive security training program
12. 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
13. OKRs to achieve ISO 27001 certification with an action plan
- Achieve ISO 27001 certification with an action plan
- Develop and implement necessary policies and procedures to align with ISO 27001 standards
- Develop new policies and procedures to meet ISO 27001 standards
- Communicate and train employees on the new policies and procedures
- Conduct a gap analysis to identify policy and procedure gaps
- Regularly review and update policies and procedures to ensure compliance with ISO 27001
- Conduct a comprehensive gap analysis to identify all compliance requirements
- Successfully pass the external ISO 27001 certification audit conducted by a certified auditor
- Update and document all necessary processes and procedures in accordance with ISO 27001
- Conduct a comprehensive review of the ISO 27001 standard requirements and guidelines
- Implement a risk management framework aligned with the ISO 27001 requirements
- Train employees on ISO 27001 procedures and their roles in maintaining compliance
- Train all employees on information security awareness and best practices
14. OKRs to enhance effectiveness of response processes for security incidents
- Enhance effectiveness of response processes for security incidents
- Reduce average incident response time by 30%
- Implement automated incident response software
- Review and streamline incident report process
- Enhance training of response team
- Conduct simulation exercises post-training to achieve at least 80% success rate
- Monitor and measure success rates, aiming for 80% achievement
- Implement simulation exercises regularly for all trained individuals
- Develop a variety of simulation exercises relevant to the training content
- Implement incident response training for 100% of the security team
- Identify key incident response topics for comprehensive training
- Develop interactive, practical training modules for the team
- Schedule and conduct training sessions regularly
15. 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
Security Team 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 OKRsTip #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 transparencyTip #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 Team OKRs in a strategy map
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
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 OKRsIf 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 Team OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
- OKRs to enhance profitable performance of the finance team
- OKRs to gain comprehensive knowledge of the inventory platform
- OKRs to create a comprehensive and applicable certification exam
- OKRs to successfully decommission the Data Weir
- OKRs to secure venture capital funding for Plika's Latam expansion
- OKRs to drive change for a better future based on data and evidence
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.