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3 OKR examples for Security Operations (secops)

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What are Security Operations (secops) 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 Operations (secops). 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.

Security Operations (secops) OKRs examples

You will find in the next section many different Security Operations (secops) 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!

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

  • ObjectiveFully integrate Abnormal Security tool in SecOps ecosystem with IT partnership
  • KREliminate 75% of detected security threats using the Abnormal Security tool by term end
  • TaskUse Abnormal Security tool to neutralize threats
  • TaskIdentify and analyze detected security threats
  • TaskComplete training on Abnormal Security tool
  • KRAchieve 90% Abnormal Security tool deployment across all IT infrastructure within quarter
  • TaskIdentify systems not yet using the Abnormal Security tool
  • TaskDevelop a staggered implementation schedule for all remaining infrastructure
  • TaskMonitor and report on deployment progress weekly
  • KRConduct 3 collaborative training sessions to foster seamless use and understanding among SecOps team
  • TaskPrepare training materials and exercises
  • TaskSchedule 3 collaborative training sessions
  • TaskDetermine training topics relevant to SecOps team

OKRs to implement SecOps playbooks for Abnormal security and Code42

  • ObjectiveImplement SecOps playbooks for Abnormal security and Code42
  • KRDesign, test, and implement the Abnormal Security playbook improving threat response time by 25%
  • TaskAnalyze current Abnormal Security playbook for improvements
  • TaskImplement and monitor updated playbook in real-time
  • TaskDesign and test modifications for efficiency
  • KRIdentify and map 10 vital security processes for playbook integration by week 4
  • TaskMap each process and its components
  • TaskIdentify 10 vital security processes for integration
  • TaskEnsure integration within playbook by week 4
  • KRDevelop and enact the Code42 playbook, resulting in a 30% reduction in data loss incidents
  • TaskCreate and refine the comprehensive Code42 playbook
  • TaskImplement and train staff on the Code42 playbook
  • TaskAnalyze existing data loss scenarios and identify potential vulnerabilities

OKRs to full deployment of Ember and Abnormal Security tools in SecOps

  • ObjectiveFull deployment of Ember and Abnormal Security tools in SecOps
  • KRAchieve 100% operational status of both tools within the SecOps ecosystem by Week 12
  • TaskEvaluate current operational status of both tools
  • TaskImplement changes and verify 100% operational status
  • TaskIdentify necessary upgrades or repairs for both tools
  • KRTrain IT team on Abnormal Security and Ember tools by the end of Week 6
  • TaskPrepare materials and resources for the training
  • TaskConduct post-training assessment by end of Week 6
  • TaskSchedule training sessions for IT team on both tools
  • KRInstall and test Ember and Abnormal Security tools in the SecOps environment by Week 8
  • TaskTest both tools for effectiveness and efficiency
  • TaskInstall Abnormal Security tool in the SecOps environment
  • TaskInstall Ember tool in the SecOps environment

How to write your own Security Operations (secops) OKRs

1. Get tailored OKRs with an AI

You'll find some examples below, but it's likely that you have very specific needs that won't be covered.

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.

Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.

Watch the video below to see it in action 👇

Option 2. Optimise existing OKRs with Tability Feedback tool

If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.

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.

Option 3. Use the free OKR generator

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.

Security Operations (secops) 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

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.

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.

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 Security Operations (secops) OKRs

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:

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.

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 Operations (secops) OKR templates

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

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