Mastering incident response though simulation can assist with strengthening your plan. Once an incident response plan (IRP) is written, it does not prove to be effective unless tested on a regular basis. Performing tabletop exercises (TTX) is a good way to identify the strengths, weaknesses and updates needed in the plan. Tabletop exercises can also clarify the roles and responsibilities of the Incident Response Team (IRT).
Considerations when preparing for a TTX:
- Create a specific scenario. The topic can be an attack, data breach, insider threat, etc.
- Determine the scope of the incident. How much of the IRT will need to be involved?
- Physically walk through the IRP to see how it will be handled.
For example, perhaps you have a data breach. There are several scenarios that can be associated with this. It could be a compromised server, unauthorized access to data, ransomware, backups are missing, etc.
Tabletop exercises benefits:
- Provide essential training.
- Incorporate business continuity concerns.
- Increase critical thinking.
- Uncover issues.
- Coordinate decision making.
- Improve team coordination
- Strengthen incident preparedness.
Performing tabletop exercises will help an organization to react to challenges by proactively preparing for them. This can create a culture where you don’t just survive, but thrive.
Resources:
Cybersecurity Tabletop Exercise Tips
Six Tabletop Exercises to Help Prepare Your Cybersecurity Team