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tability.ioWhat 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.
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!
OKRs to upgrade security monitoring team skills and tools
ObjectiveUpgrade security monitoring team skills and tools
KRDecrease incident response time by 15%
Implement efficient incident detection tools- Train teams on rapid incident response protocols
- Schedule regular response time audits
- KRImplement 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
- KRIncrease 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
OKRs to improve security incident handling between Resolver and SOC teams
- ObjectiveImprove security incident handling between Resolver and SOC teams
- KRReduce 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
- KRDevelop 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
- KRAchieve 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
OKRs to integrate security controls into development sprints
- ObjectiveIntegrate security controls into development sprints
- KRSuccessfully 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
- KRFully 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
- KRAchieve 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
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
- Evaluate current operational status of both tools
- Implement changes and verify 100% operational status
- Identify necessary upgrades or repairs for both tools
- KRTrain 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
- KRInstall 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
OKRs 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%
- Improve analyst training for accurate threat prediction
- Regularly update and fine-tune security system settings
- Implement advanced anomaly detection algorithms
- KRIncrease identification of real threats by 20%
- Implement advanced threat detection systems
- Conduct regular security awareness training
- Strengthen information sharing with allies
- KRImprove 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
OKRs to improve Security Operation Centre Incident Response
- ObjectiveImprove Security Operation Centre Incident Response
- KRReduce 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
- KRIncrease 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
- KRImplement 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
OKRs 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%
- Develop and implement changes to fill identified gaps
- Identify gaps in the current information security solution
- Test and fine-tune the updated security solution
- KRIdentify 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
- KRSuccessfully 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
OKRs to enhance production security for optimal operation efficiency
- ObjectiveEnhance production security for optimal operation efficiency
- KRImplement 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
- KRConduct 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%
- KRTrain 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
OKRs to secure local channels and gain market insights
- ObjectiveSecure local channels and gain market insights
- KRConduct 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
- KREstablish 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
- KRIncrease 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
- KRImplement 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
OKRs to improve website security through effective deployment of content security policy
- ObjectiveImprove website security through effective deployment of content security policy
- KRReduce 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
- KRIncrease 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
- KRImplement 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
- KREnhance 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
How to write your own Security Team 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.
- 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.
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.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Add your existing OKRs (you can import them from a spreadsheet)
- 3. Click on "Generate analysis"
Tability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRsTability 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 Team 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 Team OKRs
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.
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 Team OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
- OKRs to enhance the reliability of English language arts evaluations
- OKRs to enhance our SaaS reference base
- OKRs to streamline vendor aging reconciliation and payment processes
- OKRs to improve staff retention and foster a positive work culture
- OKRs to expand Sales to a new region
- OKRs to enhance effectiveness of industrial training through comprehensive need analysis