How often should tabletop exercises be performed?

Tabletop exercises are vital in an organization's preparedness for cybersecurity incidents and other emergency situations. Conducting these exercises regularly, such as on a quarterly basis, ensures that all team members remain familiar with their roles and responsibilities, processes, and any relevant updates that may have occurred since the last exercise.

Quarterly exercises allow organizations to frequently reassess their response strategies, adapt to new threats, and incorporate lessons learned from recent incidents or changes in the organizational structure. Moreover, these sessions promote teamwork, ensure good communication practices, and help identify gaps in security protocols or procedures that need to be addressed.

In contrast, less frequent exercises, such as annually or bi-annually, might not provide enough opportunities to maintain readiness or keep up with the pace of evolving cybersecurity threats. Regular practice is essential for effective response in real-life scenarios, making the quarterly frequency ideal for organizations focused on enhancing their cybersecurity posture.