4 OKR examples for Network Security

What are Network 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.

OKRs are quickly gaining popularity as a goal-setting framework. But, it's not always easy to know how to write your goals, especially if it's your first time using OKRs.

To aid you in setting your goals, we have compiled a collection of OKR examples customized for Network Security. Take a look at the templates below for inspiration and guidance.

If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read more about the OKR meaning online.

Best practices for managing your Network Security OKRs

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

Having too many OKRs is the #1 mistake that teams make when adopting the framework. The problem with tracking too many competing goals is that it will be hard for your team to know what really matters.

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 the weekly check-ins

Setting good goals can be challenging, but without regular check-ins, your team will struggle to make progress. We recommend that you track your OKRs weekly to get the full benefits from the framework.

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 below). 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.

Building your own Network Security OKRs with AI

While we have some examples below, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here. There are 2 options available to you.

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

Best way to track your Network Security OKRs

Quarterly OKRs should have weekly updates to get all the 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.

Network Security OKRs templates

We've covered most of the things that you need to know about setting good OKRs and tracking them effectively. It's now time to give you a series of templates that you can use for inspiration!

We've added many examples of Network 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!

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

Track these OKRs

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

Track these OKRs

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

Track these OKRs

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

Track these OKRs

More Network 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: Complete 2024 OKR cheat sheet
Blog posts: ODT Blog
Success metrics: KPIs examples