As a professional at , I have a passion for creating and executing across various industries. However, since I joined the industry with three years ago, I have realized that there is a crucial step that I have overlooked in my planning process: using tabletop exercises ( ) to test the validity and effectiveness of my plans and procedures. #managementconsulting DSV Consulting #businessplans #cybersecurity ThreatGEN #TTX In this article, I will focus on how TTX can help improve cybersecurity outcomes, as well as their benefits, limitations, and the next level of innovation. I will also discuss how TTX can be applied to other types of business plans in future articles. What are Tabletop Exercises? [Bing generated] Tabletop exercises in the cybersecurity area are that test the human and managerial factors, rather than technical defenses, to a potential . They help organizations to respond to detected threats and unfolding attacks, should they occur. They also help validate existing plans and expose weaknesses that can lead to improvement. simulations of cyber crisis situations #cyberattack devise #bestpractices #incidentresponse The typical format for tabletop training involves: . Testing preplanned actions in response to scenarios Group discussions to review the effectiveness of strategies and tactics, led by a skilled facilitator. Introduction of additional challenges to the presented scenarios to widen the scope of cybersecurity problem-solving. Tabletop exercises can be completed in as little as and are a convenient tool for putting your team in the cybersecurity mindset. There are also available to assist stakeholders in conducting their own exercises. 15 minutes various resources and templates TTX Benefits [Bing generated] Cybersecurity tabletop exercises have many benefits for an organization, such as: of the Crisis Management Team (CMT) and other employees involved in responding to cyber incidents. Improving the skills plans and playbooks and identifying areas for improvement. Testing existing #incidentresponse among different stakeholders and partners during a cyber crisis. Improving internal and external communications Improving response times and reducing the risk of damage from a cyber attack. Building of cyber risk and the . #awareness potential impact of cyber incidents on the organization Getting management buy-in and support for investing in cybersecurity measures and resources. Tabletop exercises are a valuable tool for . enhancing the organization’s cybersecurity posture and resilience TTX Preparation [Bing generated] There are different steps for preparing for a , depending on the scope and complexity of the exercise, but a basic framework is as follows: #cybersecurity #TTX : The first step is to define the key objectives, strategies and goals for the exercise, as well as the target audience, roles and responsibilities, and . It is also important to determine the scope, duration, format, and location of the exercise, and to . Step 1 – Pre-Exercise Planning expected outcomes identify the facilitator and the evaluators : The next step is to create a practical cyber incident scenario that could affect the organization, based on the most . The scenario should include a timeline, injects, and triggers that simulate the unfolding of the incident and challenge the participants to respond. The scenario should also align with the objectives and goals of the exercise, tailored to the audience and the organization’s context. Step 2 – Exercise & Scenario Design frequent and painful threats : The third step is to finalize the , such as the scenario, the questions, the injects, the evaluation forms, and the feedback forms. It is also important to communicate with the participants and the stakeholders about the exercise, and to provide them with any pre-exercise information or instructions. Additionally, it is advisable to test the exercise and the technical equipment before the actual delivery. Step 3 – Final Preparations exercise materials : The fourth step is to conduct the exercise according to the . The facilitator should guide the participants through the scenario, injects, and questions, and encourage discussion and collaboration among them. The evaluators should observe and document the participants’ actions, decisions, and performance, and provide feedback and recommendations. Step 4 – Exercise Delivery planned agenda and format : The final step is to analyze the results and outcomes of the exercise, and to identify the strengths, weaknesses, gaps, and lessons learned. The facilitator and the evaluators should prepare a report that summarizes the findings and recommendation, and share it with the participants and the stakeholders. The report should also include an action plan for implementing the improvements and follow-up activities. Step 5 – Post Exercise Activities Innovation in delivering Tabletop Exercises [Bing generated] There are various innovations taking place in delivering today, such as: #cybersecurity #TTX Using to build realistic and relevant scenarios that reflect the current and emerging cyber threats facing the organization. active threat intelligence Using to conduct tabletop exercises remotely and efficiently, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased reliance on . virtual platforms #workfromhome Using diverse and creative scenarios that go beyond the technical aspects of cyber incidents and explore the human, organizational, and societal impacts and implications. Using context and the challenges and opportunities for nursing students and professionals. patient scenarios to simulate the disaster healthcare These innovations aim to enhance the quality and value of the tabletop exercises and to prepare the participants for the dynamic and complex cyber environment. ThreatGEN® Red vs. Blue As I said earlier in this article, I work directly with and ThreatGEN founder & President and believe that the ThreatGEN® Red vs. Blue product embodies the greatest innovation in available. Here is an excerpt from the website: ThreatGEN Clint Bodungen #cybersecurity #TTX ThreatGEN® Red vs. Blue is the next evolution in . It is a game-based cybersecurity simulation platform that combines the power of an actual computer gaming engine and , to provide the most practical and effective way for ANYONE to learn cybersecurity, from beginners to experts, and even leadership. It doesn’t require any prior technical knowledge or command line skills… not even to play as the red team! Used for cybersecurity education, awareness, training, and IR tabletop exercises, ThreatGEN® Red vs. Blue is immersive, interactive, and hands-on, and it’s supported by an education portal with online courses, labs, scenarios, and an online community. cybersecurity education, training, and IR tabletop exercises adaptive adversary simulation A.I. ThreatGEN’s multitude of benefits the TTX platform include: An active (A.I.) tuned to each scenario to deliver a different simulated response EVERY time – the is a challenge! #artificialintelligence #redteam facilitators save over 100 hours of preparation time, equating to over $18,000 over only 5 uses. #TTX Capturing simulation session over time allows management to determine a team’s cyber posture today, and how it matures over time (a time dimension). #metrics Analysis of session historical metrics can be automated and integrated into available throughout an organization. #dashboards Building on these REAL benefits of today, one can imagine these possible benefits: ThreatGEN Automated ingestion of client network environments, analysis of , and delivery of customized scenarios to each client. #threatvectors review of session metrics and generation of remediation plans to remediate deficiencies in an organization’s cyber posture. #artificialintelligence Reporting of session metrics against like NIST Cybersecurity Framework or ISO/IEC 27001, providing actionable remediation plans generated by bots like ChatGPT.ai, Bard by or Bing from . #industryframeworks #artificialintelligence Google Microsoft TTX in other industries Tabletop exercises can be useful in contexts other than , such as an effective way to test in various scenarios and situations. They could: #cybersecurity #businessplans Identify roles and responsibilities of the team members and stakeholders involved in the plans. Assess the readiness and preparedness of the organization to handle the potential impacts and risks. Enhance the communication and coordination among the team members and stakeholders. Discover the gaps, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement and revision of the plans. In conclusion, the community has been caught flat footed when it comes to simulating and using a feedback loop to make business plans more effective. I will be writing more articles focused on that specific for , in the vain of capturing the that has already delivered to the community! #managementconsulting #usecase #TTX #innovation ThreatGEN #cybersecurity Please note that certain portions of this article were originally generated by Microsoft Bing Conversational Experiences, also referred to as the “Enhanced Bing”, and as such are used under its . Terms of Use Each block was edited for readability and where possible, references were retained to other original content provided by Bing. The questions used were as follows for each section: Define tabletop exercises in the cybersecurity area. What are the benefits of a tabletop exercise in the cybersecurity area? What are the steps for preparing for a tabletop exercise in the cybersecurity area? What innovation is taking place in delivering tabletop exercises today? The questions left unanswered, “ ” What are your thoughts on this? Are ChatGPT.ai, Bard and Bing the coming of SkyNet? About Robert C. Rhodes Robert C. Rhodes is an experienced sales and business development professional with a background in finance, operations, and strategic planning. His proven track record of success in driving sales, leading teams, and managing customer relationships is visible as a former CEO of publicly traded companies with a history of successful fundraising, M&A, and revenue growth. He is skilled in managing financial and operational challenges in high-tech and industries. #cybersecurity Industries – Edtech, Oil & Gas, Heavy Industry, and Technology Specializes in public company M&A and disclosure profile LinkedIn Listed on as available for projects through Business Talent Group DSV Consulting Mail LinkedIn Twitter Here is a to the original article as published on LinkedIn on February 14, 2023. link

The writer has or has previously had a business relationship with companies mentioned in this article.

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