Cybersecurity tabletop exercises are structured, scenario-based discussions designed to simulate a cyber incident. They help organizations evaluate their response capabilities, test incident response plans, improve coordination across departments, and identify gaps in security procedures.

This guide covers the tools and resources needed to conduct effective cyber attack tabletop exercises.

🔍 What Is a Tabletop Exercise?

A tabletop exercise (TTX) is a discussion-based session where team members walk through a hypothetical cyber incident to evaluate the organization’s preparedness, decision-making, and communication. These exercises are typically low-stress and collaborative but highly insightful.

🎯 Objectives of Cyber Attack Tabletop Exercises

• Assess incident response plans and policies
• Identify gaps in roles, responsibilities, and coordination
• Evaluate decision-making under simulated pressure
• Enhance communication between technical and non-technical teams
• Validate external vendor and law enforcement contacts
• Train employees on cybersecurity best practices

🧰 Essential Tools for Tabletop Exercises

1. Scenario Planning Tools

• MITRE ATT&CK Navigator
  Helps build realistic attack scenarios based on real adversary tactics and techniques.
  🔗 https://attack.mitre.org/
• IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index
  Offers threat trends and real-world attack data to craft relevant scenarios.
  🔗 https://www.ibm.com/reports/threat-intelligence
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework
  A structured approach to identify and manage cybersecurity risk.
  🔗 https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework

2. Documentation and Planning Tools

• Google Workspace / Microsoft 365
  For real-time collaboration and documentation of decisions and responses during the exercise.
• Lucidchart / Miro
  Visual collaboration platforms to map out attack chains, communication workflows, and response trees.
• Confluence / Notion
  Centralized knowledge base for sharing exercise scenarios, lessons learned, and after-action reports.

3. Cyber Range Platforms (Optional for Advanced Simulations)

• RangeForce
  Cloud-based cyber range for team-based defense simulations.
• Immersive Labs
  Interactive cyber skills platform with real-world threat simulations.
• Cymulate
  Breach and attack simulation platform with red-teaming features for automated scenario creation.

🗃️ Free & Open-Source Resources

• CISA Tabletop Exercise Packages (CTEP)
  Free, customizable scenarios provided by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
  🔗 https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/tabletop-exercise-packages
• NIST SP 800-84: Guide to Test, Training, and Exercise Programs
  Offers guidance on developing a test and exercise program.
  🔗 https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/sp/800-84/final
• ENISA Cyber Crisis Management Exercises
  Scenarios and planning material tailored for EU institutions but adaptable.
  🔗 https://www.enisa.europa.eu/topics/csirt-cert-services/exercise

🧑‍💼 Key Roles During a Tabletop Exercise

• Facilitator – Guides the scenario and keeps discussions on track.
• Incident Commander (IC) – Makes executive decisions during the simulation.
• Technical Team – Security analysts, IT admins, SOC members.
• Communications Lead – Handles internal and external messaging.
• Legal and Compliance – Evaluates regulatory implications.
• Observers/Note-takers – Document actions and findings for the post-exercise review.

📄 How to Run a Cyber Attack Tabletop Exercise

Step-by-Step

1. Define Objectives – What do you want to test (e.g., ransomware, insider threat, phishing)?
2. Develop a Realistic Scenario – Tailor it to your industry and threat profile.
3. Assign Roles – Clarify who plays what part in the simulation.
4. Conduct the Exercise – Introduce the scenario, let the team react, inject new developments.
5. Debrief and Review – What went well? What needs improvement?
6. Create an After-Action Report (AAR) – Include lessons learned, gaps, and remediation plans.

📋 Sample Cyber Attack Scenarios

✅ Tips for a Successful Tabletop Exercise

• Keep it realistic but not overwhelming.
• Encourage open discussion; this is not a test.
• Use visuals to simulate system dashboards or email messages.
• Always include a communications/public relations aspect.
• Follow up with a remediation plan based on identified weaknesses.

📘 Conclusion

Tabletop exercises are a cornerstone of proactive cyber risk management. With the right tools and resources, organizations can simulate realistic attack scenarios, test their resilience, and continuously improve their defenses. Whether you're a small business or a large enterprise, investing time in well-planned exercises is essential to staying ahead of evolving threats.