9 OKR examples for Information Security

What are Information 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.

Formulating strong OKRs can be a complex endeavor, particularly for first-timers. Prioritizing outcomes over projects is crucial when developing your plans.

We've tailored a list of OKRs examples for Information Security to help you. You can look at any of the templates below to get some inspiration for your own goals.

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

Best practices for managing your Information 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 Information 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 Information Security OKRs

Your quarterly OKRs should be tracked weekly in order to get all the benefits of the OKRs 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.

Information 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!

You'll find below a list of Objectives and Key Results templates for Information Security. We also included strategic projects for each template to make it easier to understand the difference between key results and projects.

Hope you'll find this helpful!

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

iso-27001-certification information-security information-security-officer compliance-auditor compliance-team information-security-team

Track these OKRs

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

Track these OKRs

OKRs to obtain ISO 27001 certification

Achieve ISO 27001 certification
Address all identified non-conformities and implement corrective actions promptly
Monitor the progress of implemented corrective actions and report any deviations promptly
Develop a corrective action plan outlining steps to resolve each non-conformity
Review and document all identified non-conformities from the assessment
Assign responsible individuals to execute the corrective actions within specified timelines
Pass the external audit with no major findings and obtain ISO 27001 certification
Conduct regular internal audits to ensure ongoing compliance with ISO 27001 requirements
Work closely with external auditors to address any findings and promptly resolve them
Implement necessary security controls and procedures to address identified gaps
Review existing security controls and identify gaps or areas for improvement
Conduct a successful internal audit to ensure compliance with ISO 27001 requirements
Develop and implement corrective actions for identified non-compliance issues
Conduct interviews and surveys to gather feedback from employees on compliance practices
Assess and document the effectiveness of existing security controls
Review and update company policies to align with ISO 27001 requirements
Implement necessary security controls to comply with ISO 27001 standards

iso-27001 certification information-security-manager compliance-officer information-security-team compliance-team

Track these OKRs

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

Track these OKRs

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

Track these OKRs

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

Track these OKRs

OKRs to implement effective vulnerability management processes

Strengthen our vulnerability management procedures
Reduce high-priority vulnerabilities by 30% through consistent scanning and patching
Train all employees on vulnerability management best practices and create an awareness program
Implement a continuous vulnerability scanning process for all systems and applications
Develop and implement a comprehensive vulnerability management policy based on industry standards

cybersecurity risk-management information-security-manager system-administrators compliance-manager

Track these OKRs

OKRs to enhance cybersecurity maturity in the organization

Enhance cybersecurity maturity in the organization
Implement a cybersecurity awareness training program for 85% of the staff
Schedule training sessions with 85% of staff
Track and report staff training completion
Identify suitable cybersecurity training program for staff
Reduce the number of security incidents by 30%
Implement regular, mandatory cybersecurity training sessions
Update all systems and applications routinely
Enable stringent password protocols
Achieve ISO 27001 cybersecurity certification
Prepare and pass the ISO 27001 audit
Implement necessary controls and security measures
Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of your information security system

cybersecurity-training iso-27001-certification information-security-manager training-coordinator it-team hr-team

Track these OKRs

OKRs to enhance data privacy and cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information

Enhance data privacy and cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information
Implement a comprehensive data encryption system across all relevant platforms
Assess current data encryption measures and identify gaps for improvement
Develop and implement a standardized data encryption protocol for all platforms
Conduct regular audits to ensure consistent adherence to the data encryption system
Train employees on proper data encryption practices and its importance in data security
Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and address identified risks within set timeframes
Quickly prioritize and address identified risks based on severity levels
Schedule regular vulnerability assessments according to established timelines
Establish set timeframes for risk mitigation and ensure timely execution
Develop a clear process for tracking and documenting vulnerability assessment findings
Increase employee awareness and participation in cybersecurity training programs by 25%
Recognize and reward employees who actively participate in cybersecurity training
Create engaging and interactive modules for cybersecurity training programs
Organize lunch and learn sessions to promote employee awareness about cybersecurity threats
Send regular email reminders about upcoming cybersecurity training sessions
Achieve a 10% improvement in overall incident response time, ensuring timely mitigation of potential breaches
Streamline incident response processes and eliminate any unnecessary steps for faster response times
Regularly evaluate and improve incident response plans to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
Provide comprehensive training to all personnel involved in incident response procedures
Implement automation tools to expedite the identification and containment of potential breaches

data-encryption vulnerability-assessments data-protection-officer cybersecurity-trainer it-security-team employee-training-team

Track these OKRs

More Information 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