What is a tabletop exercise in cybersecurity?

A tabletop exercise in cybersecurity is designed as a simulated scenario discussion where participants engage in a structured setting to review and respond to hypothetical incidents. This type of exercise typically involves key stakeholders from various areas of an organization, such as IT, security, management, and legal, who collaboratively discuss their roles and decision-making processes during a cybersecurity incident. The goal is to identify potential weaknesses in current plans, improve communication, and enhance the overall response strategy without the need for actual implementation of procedures.

The focus on discussion rather than physical action differentiates this method from other training drills or hands-on activities. By examining theoretical situations, organizations can evaluate their incident response plans and ensure all team members understand their responsibilities, which is critical for effective response in real-world scenarios. This proactive approach is essential for preparing teams to handle incidents effectively when they occur in practice.