A business continuity or incident response table top is a simulated scenario-based exercise designed to test an organization’s ability to respond to a potential crisis or disaster situation. The exercise typically involves a group of key stakeholders and decision-makers who gather together to discuss and role-play a hypothetical scenario, such as a natural disaster, cyber-attack, or other disruptive event.

During the exercise, participants discuss and evaluate the organization’s response strategies, including plans for communication, resource allocation, and recovery efforts. The goal is to identify any weaknesses or gaps in the organization’s emergency preparedness and response plans and to develop recommendations for improvements.

A table top exercise is usually conducted in a low-stress environment, without the pressure of a real-life crisis, allowing participants to focus on problem-solving and collaboration. By conducting these exercises, organizations can improve their ability to respond to emergencies, minimize disruption to business operations, and protect the safety and well-being of employees and customers.

SOC2, ISO 27001, NIST CSF all require that Table Top exercises are conducted at least annually. Contact TrustedCISO to find out how we can facilitate a Table Top Exercise at your company.