Simulating attacks: how to use tabletop exercises in incident response

"Among the benefits, tabletop exercises simulate a real-life attack so firms can put incident response plans to the test, including decision-making processes, communications and technical measures. When done well, tabletop exercises can expose blind spots and help response teams "build the muscle memory needed to act fast when the real thing hits", says Adam Harrison, managing director in the cyber security practice at FTI Consulting. So what types of tabletop exercises are available and how can you use them in your business?"

""They give staff the chance to explore decision-making, communication, teamwork and escalation in a safe and controlled environment," he explains. The second style is simulations - also known as "live-play exercises" - which are more immersive, says Taylor. "Much like triggering a fire alarm without prior warning, they test how well teams react with no notice, script or guidance, making them ideal for mature teams who want to stress-test their processes.""

Tabletop exercises simulate attacks to test incident response plans, decision-making, communications, and technical measures, exposing blind spots and building muscle memory for fast action. Exercises fall into structured, discussion-based sessions with expert guidance and immersive live-play simulations that test unannounced reactions. Scenarios can target specific entry points like phishing or compromised devices, or address broader impacts such as ransomware, focusing on how attackers gained access, affected assets, and containment. Well-designed exercises improve teamwork, escalation, and operational readiness, with live-play best suited for mature teams seeking to stress-test real-time procedures and uncover practical weaknesses.

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