In my role, I have the privilege of working with many different organizations through their technical exercise events and programs. One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing the spark ignite in the people as they band together to achieve a common objective. In this article, I’ll be sharing some of the common benefits I see emerge across organizations of all sizes, industries, and maturity levels, no matter the exercise's purpose.

Encouraging curiosity and problem-solving

Cyber Range Exercises provide a virtual network environment to explore. Defensive exercises focus on detecting and monitoring malicious activity, while offensive exercises involve exploiting vulnerabilities to uncover target information. Within these simulated environments, participants must utilize a wide array of skills and decide on the best approach, as the correct course of action isn't always obvious. This technical challenge is great for reinforcing knowledge and applying skills.

I've seen players puzzle over unsuccessful methods, forcing them to rethink their approach entirely, asking plenty of “what if” questions before testing them out. This experimentation process educates players while simultaneously promoting lateral thinking and encourages sharing problem-solving insights.

Improved communication

Trawling through logs and analyzing (or preparing) a malicious payload usually calls for quiet focus. But in the real world, we’re rarely working alone. More often than not, investigations and tests happen in small teams, under pressure, and good communication becomes just as important as technical skill. 

That’s why team-based exercises reflect this reality. You’ve got to explain what you’re doing clearly, so everyone’s on the same page – both in terms of the situation and the technical jargon. Creating clear written logs and documentation matters too, especially in incidents where language may need to be adapted for different audiences.

The most effective teams I've observed in these exercises prioritize organization. They set up a central place to track everything – whether that’s a Teams channel, a spreadsheet, or a crisis response tool – and they’re smart about assigning roles and carving out time to keep everyone synced up.

Better distraction management

A deliberate challenge I sometimes incorporate into technical exercises is surprise leadership requests for incident updates. This tests the team's ability to rapidly consolidate information under pressure, dealing with the uncertainties of an active investigation. Teams with strong organization, detailed incident logs, and a dedicated spokesperson or team leader consistently manage these interruptions best.

Practicing in a simulated setting helps teams stay productive and accurate, even when real-world distractions come into play. It builds the ability to block out noise, manage stakeholders, stay focused on individual tasks while keeping sight of team goals, and smoothly switch contexts when needed.

Stronger team dynamics

Unlike individual training, these exercises require participants to actively communicate, share knowledge, and rely on each other's strengths to achieve a common goal. Team members learn to understand each other's working styles, identify individual expertise, and build trust in their colleagues' abilities. The shared experience of overcoming technical challenges, even simulated ones, creates a sense of camaraderie and shared accomplishment.

While every team comprises diverse personalities and communication styles, it's crucial that each individual feels comfortable and empowered to share their insights and findings. These contributions can significantly alter the outcome; for instance, a critical discovery during a technical investigation might directly influence the business's crisis response strategy.

Increased efficiency

The more a team works together responding to the exercise challenges, the more they develop shared understandings of processes and expectations, learn to delegate effectively, and identify bottlenecks in their collaborative efforts. Eliminating issues arising from a lack of confidence or familiarity with the team or processes is especially critical for incident response teams, leading to quicker response times and improved agility when situations change rapidly.

After each exercise, I like to conduct a team debrief, which is crucial for reflecting on lessons learned. Prompting players to consider their individual strengths and challenges, alongside open discussion about team dynamics and processes, helps identify opportunities for improvement.

Technical exercises are undoubtedly key to boosting individual technical proficiency. However, their even greater value lies in cultivating these skills alongside the crucial professional attributes demanded by our field. Considering the significant pressure and expectations placed on these teams to deliver trustworthy outcomes, ensuring their preparedness within a high-trust setting is essential. These are merely some of the advantages I've witnessed through these exercises.

Share your thoughts

What benefits have you experienced through technical exercising? Share your thoughts in the comments!