Executives faced with the challenge of cyberattacks in their businesses often find themselves in unfamiliar territory, needing to make critical decisions to safeguard their companies. In response to this growing need, Cisco has developed the “Cyber Simulator Suite 404,” a tabletop scenario designed to help executives navigate dangerous IT incidents in a engaging manner.
Recently, a group of IT journalists, including myself, had the opportunity to experience Suite 404 firsthand. This incident response management training exercise offers valuable insights into the world of incident response and equips participants with the necessary skills to handle cyber crises effectively.
Upon entering the simulation, we were greeted with a scene reminiscent of a classic board game setup. With game boards and event-based playing cards spread out before us, the setting may have seemed outdated in today’s digital age. However, the tools at our disposal in a real cyber emergency – such as flipcharts, paper pads, and pens – made the game setting surprisingly appropriate.
As we assumed the roles of members of the executive board of a fictional five-star hotel group, Vauban Hotels, we were faced with a series of challenges in three distinct game phases. The first phase involved analyzing everyday incidents to assess their impact on our business across various categories, including service, reputation, sales, and cybersecurity.
Moving on to the next phase, we were tasked with identifying anomalies in printed log files to uncover how hackers infiltrated our network. Despite our collective experience in IT journalism and cybersecurity, we found ourselves overlooking key details in our quest to think outside the box.
The third phase of the game presented us with a multitude of challenges, forcing us to make rapid decisions in the midst of a cyber crisis. These decisions were not without consequences, as each choice we made directly influenced the outcome of the scenario.
Throughout the simulation, we learned valuable lessons that are applicable not only in the game but also in real-life crisis situations. We discovered the importance of swift decision-making, focused problem-solving, and the need to prioritize core issues during a crisis. Additionally, the game reinforced the value of basic knowledge, the ability to work without supporting technologies, and the necessity of practicing for emergencies.
In the end, our team scored 25 out of 30 possible points, showcasing our ability to adapt and learn from our mistakes. The experience was not only informative but also eye-opening, providing us with practical insights that can be applied to real-world cyber incidents.
Overall, the Cyber Simulator Suite 404 proved to be a valuable training tool for executives, offering a hands-on approach to incident response that can help companies prepare for and effectively manage cyber crises. By engaging in simulations like Suite 404, executives can enhance their decision-making skills and better protect their organizations from potential cyber threats.