I’ve recently been exploring ways to strengthen my organization’s preparedness for cyber incidents, and I realized that understanding how to conduct a tabletop exercise is a critical step. Tabletop exercises give me the chance to simulate real-world scenarios in a controlled environment, allowing my team and me to identify gaps in our response plans without the pressure of a live incident. When I plan a tabletop exercise, I focus on defining clear objectives, selecting relevant scenarios, and ensuring all participants understand their roles and responsibilities. I find it especially helpful to document each stage, from scenario creation to post-exercise review, so that lessons learned can be applied effectively. Engaging in these exercises not only helps me evaluate our existing security measures but also encourages better communication and coordination across teams. Over time, I’ve noticed that regular tabletop exercises build confidence and awareness, making it easier to respond effectively during actual cyber events. If you’re like me and want to get hands-on experience with planning, producing, and conducting these exercises, I found a detailed guide that walks through the process step by step, which has been invaluable in helping me structure and execute tabletop exercises successfully.