What is a tabletop exercises?
A cybersecurity tabletop exercise is a simulation where teams discuss how they would handle a cyber attack. It helps identify weaknesses, improve response plans, and strengthen teamwork. A facilitator presents a scenario, and participants decide their actions step by step. Afterward, they review what worked and what needs improvement.
How does a tabletop exercises help your organization?
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A good table top exercises challenges your Incident Response plan by testing various types of cyber attacks.
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During the exercise and during the post mortem there may be gaps in documentation, knowledge or even what to do when. There are critical points in an incident and you want to be sure everyone knows their role.
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An incident is not the sole ownership of your IT department. It belongs to the board, owner, executive team, sales and marketing, risk, insurance - well you get the idea.
Everyone has a role, and it should be defined and tested. -
Table tops test the escalation path of an incident based on the criticality defined in the policy. Leadership must play a role during critical incidents, and have an understanding of the capabilities of the team and vendors they have hired. A table top is the best way to test and challenge our assumptions about the program.
Common Questions?
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IT/Security teams, Executives, legal/compliance officers, communications teams, and key decision makers.
This list is commonly detailed in the Incident Response Plan of your organization. -
Typically 1-3 hours, depending on the complexity of the scenario and discussion.
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Common scenarios include ransomware attacks, data breaches, insider threats, phishing attacks, and system outages.
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At least once a year, but more frequently if dealing with high-risk environments or regulatory requirements.
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Improves incident response and coordination
Identifies security gaps and weaknesses
Enhances decision-making under pressure
Helps organizations comply with cybersecurity regulations
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No, but using cyber threat simulations, incident response plans, and collaboration tools can enhance the exercise.
Want help setting up a tabletop exercise for your team?
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The role Abbott Cyber Consulting takes is one of facilitator or for those who have role played, the game master. I will be providing the inputs for the teams to respond to, and will provide the post table top assessment.
Contact us.
Interesting in a tabletop exercise, or any other services Abbott Cyber Consulting offers. Please reach out and we can partner with your organization to improve your security posture.
