performing-soc-tabletop-exercise

name	performing-soc-tabletop-exercise
description	Performs tabletop exercises for SOC teams simulating security incidents through discussion-based scenarios to test incident response procedures, communication workflows, and decision-making under pressure without impacting production systems. Use when organizations need to validate IR playbooks, train analysts, or meet compliance requirements for incident response testing.
domain	cybersecurity
subdomain	soc-operations
tags	["soc","tabletop","exercise","incident-response","training","nist","playbook-validation"]
mitre_attack	["T1566","T1486","T1078"]
version	1.0
author	mahipal
license	Apache-2.0
nist_csf	["DE.CM-01","DE.AE-02","RS.MA-01","DE.AE-06"]

Performing SOC Tabletop Exercise

When to Use

Use this skill when:

• Annual or semi-annual incident response testing is required (NIST, ISO 27001, PCI DSS compliance)
• New SOC analysts need exposure to major incident scenarios in a controlled environment
• Updated playbooks need validation before next real incident
• Cross-functional coordination (SOC, IT, Legal, PR, Executive) needs rehearsal
• Post-incident reviews reveal gaps requiring scenario-based training

Do not use as a replacement for technical purple team exercises — tabletop exercises test processes and decision-making, not technical detection capabilities.

Prerequisites

• Exercise facilitator with incident response experience
• Participant list: SOC analysts (Tier 1-3), SOC manager, IT operations, Legal, HR, Communications
• Conference room or video call with screen sharing capability
• Printed or digital scenario injects with timed release schedule
• Evaluation scorecard for assessing participant responses
• Existing incident response plan and playbooks for reference during exercise

Workflow

Step 1: Design Exercise Scenario

Create a realistic multi-phase scenario with escalating complexity:

tabletop_exercise:
  title: "Operation Dark Harvest — Ransomware Attack Scenario"
  exercise_id: TTX-2024-Q1
  date: 2024-03-22
  duration: 3 hours (09:00-12:00)
  classification: TLP:AMBER (internal use only)

  objectives:
    1: "Test SOC team's ability to detect and triage ransomware indicators"
    2: "Validate escalation procedures from Tier 1 to incident commander"
    3: "Assess cross-functional communication with Legal, PR, and Executive leadership"
    4: