Level Up Your Resilience: Planning and Executing Effective Cyber Drills with Immersive
Welcome back, Immersive Community! In Part 1 of this blog series, we laid the groundwork for understanding the critical role of Cyber Drills in building true organizational cyber resilience, highlighting the comprehensive insights found in The Definitive Guide to Cyber Drilling. Now, we move from theory to practice. How do you actually plan and execute impactful Cyber Drills within your organization? This instalment will guide you through the essential steps, drawing directly from the information shared in our definitive guide. As Chapter Two: Program Planning and Preparation emphasizes, a successful Cyber Drill doesn't just happen – it's the result of careful thought and strategic execution. Let's break down the key phases: Defining Your Objectives: Before you even think about scenarios, you need to know what you want to achieve. What specific aspects of your cyber resilience are you looking to test and improve? The Definitive Guide outlines the importance of aligning your drill objectives with broader business goals and conducting a maturity assessment to tailor your program effectively. Ask yourselves: Are we primarily aiming to test our incident response plan? Do we want to evaluate cross-functional communication during a crisis? Are we looking to identify technical skill gaps in specific teams? Is regulatory compliance a key driver for our drilling program? Clearly defined objectives should serve as your “North Star” throughout the entire process. Scenario Development: Crafting Realistic Challenges: With your objectives in place, the next crucial step is designing scenarios to effectively challenge your teams. The Guide's section on Scenario Development provides guidance on creating "severe but plausible scenarios" that resonate with your industry and potential threats. Remember to: Ground Scenarios in Reality: Draw inspiration from real-world incidents and threat intelligence (The Guide highlights the importance of CTI). Consider Operational Disruptions: As noted in The Definitive Guide, real-world cyberattacks often coincide with other disruptions. Incorporate Multi-Skill Requirements: Design scenarios that require participants to utilize technical skills AND communication and decision-making. Introduce Pressure: Effective drills create a safe but high-intensity environment. The Cyber Drill Timeline: Strategic Execution: The Definitive Guide provides a clear roadmap for the Cyber Drill timeline, emphasizing the iterative nature of the process and the crucial role of stakeholder involvement. Key stages include: Discovery: Clearly defining objectives, scope, and requirements. Design: Developing the scenario and practical logistics. Build: Creating the exercise materials, lab paths, and communication aids. Enable: Ensuring participants and facilitators are prepared. Deliver: Executing the drill according to the plan. Participant Engagement: Fostering Collaboration: The Definitive Guide stresses the importance of clear instructions, open communication, and encouraging feedback to maximize participant engagement. Remember to: Provide pre-drill information and relevant training materials. Facilitate open communication channels during the exercise. Encourage participants to think critically and collaborate effectively. By following these planning and execution principles, you can create powerful and insightful exercises that truly test and strengthen your organization's cyber resilience. In Part 3, we'll delve into the critical final stage: analyzing the results of your Cyber Drills and building a culture of continuous improvement, all by using the comprehensive framework from The Definitive Guide. Stay tuned!The Softer Side: Non-technical Benefits to Technical Team Exercises
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!Is Your Team Really Ready for a Cyberattack? (Prove It, Don't Hope It)
Cyberattacks are increasingly frequent and sophisticated. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC)’s 2024 Data Breach Report, they remain the primary root cause of data breaches, with Financial Services replacing Healthcare as the most targeted industry. The message is clear: no organization is safe. The recent breach at Change Healthcare/UnitedHealth Group, which exposed the health data of around a third of Americans, shows that the scope of modern cyberattacks extends beyond individual organizations. This isn't just a data breach; it's proof that a single vulnerability can disrupt healthcare operations, impact patient care, and erode public trust. Building a cyber-ready workforce isn’t optional – it’s essential. This isn't about hoping you're prepared; it's about proving it. What "cyber-ready" means in practice A cyber-ready workforce goes beyond having an IT security team. It means everyone, from the front lines to the C-suite, understands their role in preventing and responding to cyber threats. First-line responders (IT security, SOC analysts): These are your digital defenders, constantly monitoring threats. But they're not just monitoring alerts; they're dissecting the attack, isolating the threat, and preserving digital evidence like detectives on a case. They react instantly to alerts, following incident response procedures to identify and contain attacks, aiming for rapid isolation to limit damage. Mid-level managers (team leads, department heads): These are your field commanders during a crisis. They're not just relaying information; they're making tough calls under pressure, coordinating teams, and ensuring everyone stays focused on the mission. They escalate issues to senior leadership and keep all stakeholders informed. Senior leadership (C-Suite, board members): These leaders understand that cybersecurity is a core business risk, not just an IT problem. They champion a security-first culture, prioritize cybersecurity investments, and understand a breach's potential financial, legal, and reputational fallout. The cost of being unprepared: a ripple effect of damage Think about the impact of a successful cyberattack on your customers, your employees, and your reputation. It's not just numbers on a spreadsheet; it's real-world consequences. Imagine the chaos: systems down, customer data compromised, the phone ringing off the hook with angry clients. The financial costs are staggering, with IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach report stating the average data breach now costs $4.45 million, and that number increases yearly. Then comes the reputational damage: lost customer trust, negative press, and long-term brand erosion. Operations stall, workflows are disrupted, and productivity plummets. Legal fees, regulatory fines, and the potential for crippling fines for non-compliance with laws like GDPR, HIPAA, and DORA add further strain. It's a domino effect that could threaten your organization’s survival. Building effective response through cyber drills and resilience programs Cyber drills are the cornerstone of a robust cyber resilience program. They’re practical, hands-on simulations that allow your team to practice responding to real-world threats in a safe space before a real crisis hits. To maximize their effectiveness, cyber drills should be: Realistic: Simulate real-world attacks, including ransomware attacks, data breaches, supply chain disruptions, and social engineering attempts. Incorporate threat actors' latest tactics and techniques to prepare your team for anything. Comprehensive: Involve all relevant teams, from technical responders to senior leadership, with clear roles and responsibilities. Drills should assess technical skills, communication, coordination, and decision-making under pressure. Regular: Conducted frequently to keep skills sharp and procedures up-to-date. A continuous drilling program is ideal. Analyzed: Every drill is a learning opportunity. Conduct thorough post-incident reviews to identify areas for improvement, document lessons learned, and update incident response plans. Building a fortress: your comprehensive resilience program True resilience goes beyond drills. It's about creating a multi-layered defense. Imagine building a fortress around your organization. Cyber drills are the practice battles, but a comprehensive resilience program is the complete defense system. You start with an early warning system: your threat intelligence feeds, providing insights into the latest attack methods. Next, you educate everyone, creating a human firewall through continuous security awareness training and micro-exercises (like simulated phishing emails). You then fortify your defenses by proactively scanning for and patching vulnerabilities (vulnerability management). Finally, you develop a detailed battle plan: your incident response plan, a meticulously documented and regularly tested strategy for handling attacks. This comprehensive approach is key to long-term resilience. Resilience is practiced, refined, and ready for battle. Reducing burnout: the human element of cyber resilience Cybersecurity is a relentless, high-stakes 24/7 battle. The constant pressure to defend against evolving threats takes a toll – leading to burnout, decreased productivity, and a weaker security posture. Recognizing this human element is crucial. Building a resilient team requires proactive support. Invest in training, development, and exercising to keep skills sharp and confidence high. Promote work-life balance by encouraging breaks, vacations, and unplugging after hours. Proper rest is essential for sustained performance. Crucially, cultivate a supportive work environment. Create a space where team members feel comfortable asking for help, sharing concerns, and admitting vulnerabilities without judgment. Open communication and collaborative problem-solving are vital. Celebrate successes and acknowledge the hard work of your cybersecurity professionals. A valued, supported team is an engaged, resilient team – your best defense against evolving threats. Ready to empower your workforce and build a cyber-resilient organization? Waiting for a cyberattack to happen is a recipe for disaster. Proactive preparation is the only way to protect your organization. Building a cyber-ready workforce is an ongoing process, but it's an investment that will pay off in the long run. Share your thoughts What are your biggest challenges in building a truly cyber-ready workforce? Share your experiences and challenges in the comments below.Pieces of the Puzzle – The Power of Interconnected Cyber Drills
A crisis doesn’t respect boundaries – it unfolds in real time, demanding responses from every level, from technical teams to executives. That’s exactly what we set out to simulate with our recent cyber drill, “Pieces of the Puzzle”, a high-intensity exercise that pushed over 300 team members into the deep end of crisis response. What set this drill apart was its interconnectivity – no single person had the full picture, and every decision mattered. A crisis unfolds in pieces The exercise was built around two fictional companies: FusionArc – A cloud-based IT infrastructure provider suffering a cyberattack Orchid Logistics – A global supply chain company, FusionArc’s largest customer, facing operational chaos due to the breach. Day one simulated a cyberattack on FusionArc Solutions, with participants acting as the incident response team investigating and responding to a breach of critical systems and sensitive data. This day showcased Immersive’s cyber range capabilities and the importance of continuous upskilling. It allowed participants to practice incident response protocols and sharpen their ability to detect, analyze, and respond to cyber threats. Live technical demos showcase real-time analysis and response, bringing the simulation to life and highlighting the skills needed to combat cyberattacks. Day two shifted the perspective to Orchid Logistics, whose global operations across four major regions were thrown into turmoil due to the cascading impact of the attack. Each region had its own challenges, from disrupted healthcare supply chains in Europe to financial uncertainty in North America. Different teams’ operations, legal, communications, finance, and crisis management were forced to make critical decisions with incomplete and often conflicting information. This wasn’t just about testing individual teams. It was about stress-testing the connections between them because, in a crisis, decisions have consequences. Every action (or inaction) ripples outward, shaping how an incident unfolds and determining the effectiveness of the response. The design: controlled chaos with a purpose Running a cyber drill at this scale required intricate planning. Each element was carefully orchestrated to simulate the real-life confusion of a crisis where information is fragmented, priorities clash, and leaders must make tough choices under pressure. Key elements included: Dynamic information flow – Teams received updates in real-time, with technical teams feeding insights to crisis managers, who in turn had to make strategic decisions for the business. Regional decision-making – Each region had its own crisis management team (CMT), responsible for navigating localized challenges while staying aligned with global headquarters. Cross-functional dependencies – Operations, legal, finance, and public relations all faced their own unique crises relating to the cyberattack, as well as other unrelated business continuity disruptions. Their ability to coordinate responses mirrored the true complexity of a global business disruption. Escalating pressure – Timed injects (new crisis updates), roaming media roleplayers, and breaking news images forced participants to adapt rapidly, just as they would in a real cyber event. By layering these complexities, the exercise tested technical incident response and the entire organization’s ability to work as a single unit under duress. We looked at disaster recovery, crisis management, and business continuity all in the same cyber drill. The power of perspective (or lack of it) A key takeaway from the drill was how overwhelming it felt. No one had the full picture – teams made decisions with only their slice of the crisis, just like in the real world. We saw participants grappling with conflicting information, wondering why other teams weren’t responding as expected. Some felt completely isolated until they realized that the missing information was sitting with another team in another region, experiencing a completely different part of the crisis. This is why interconnected drills are vital. They teach organizations to connect the dots and reinforce a crucial lesson: in high-stakes environments, every decision shapes the crisis’s trajectory. Prove and improve: the true value of cyber drills Cyber drills aren’t just theoretical exercises. They test response plans, communication, and decision-making under pressure while revealing areas for improvement. This drill pushed participants to work under stress and exposed gaps not just in technical response, but in collaboration, escalation, and decision-making. These exercises matter because they don’t just reveal weaknesses – they build resilience before a real crisis strikes. What this means for your organization Cyber threats affect entire businesses – customers, partners, supply chains, and finances. The biggest risk isn’t the attack itself but poor coordination in the response. That’s why cross-team exercises are vital: technical teams must know how and when to escalate, crisis managers must grasp the stakes, and executives must make quick decisions with limited information. Cyber drills don’t always have to be this large, but they must be realistic. Even smaller exercises focused on decision-making across teams can expose gaps in communication and preparedness before a real crisis does. Final thoughts: crisis readiness is built, not assumed In the debrief of Pieces of the Puzzle, one theme emerged repeatedly: we are only as strong as our connections. The most prepared organizations aren’t just those with the best tools or plans – they’re the ones who practice together and strengthen the human elements. Cyber drills push teams to break silos, act under pressure, and manage uncertainty. If you’re not running them regularly, the question isn’t if you’ll struggle in a crisis – it’s when. No matter your industry, scale, or risk landscape, the key takeaway is this: crisis preparedness isn’t just about reacting – it’s about ensuring every piece of the puzzle fits before the crisis hits. Are your teams ready to prove and improve? Share your thoughts Has this inspired you to plan a drill? Do you have any questions about planning or execution and need some pointers? Have you run a drill or been to a drill event, and if so, how did it feel? I’d love to hear from you and help you reach your goals.Realizing the Full Potential of Drill Mode in Crisis Simulator
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last decade or so, you already know cyber crises have become increasingly prevalent – posing significant threats to organizations worldwide. Organizations must continuously assess and improve their technical and non-technical teams’ knowledge, skills, and judgment to combat these challenges. This is where Immersive Labs’ Crisis Simulator comes into play. With single-player, drill, and presentation modes available, organizations can conduct team exercises that simulate real-world cyber crises in a number of different formats to prevent exercise fatigue. This allows organizations to create an exercising-first culture – as one tabletop exercise a year just isn’t enough. Let’s dig more into drill mode and learn how it helps users realize the true potential of cyber crisis planning. Crisis Simulator Drill Mode: What is it? Drill mode is a multiplayer crisis exercising format which allows participants to assume specific roles and tackle role-specific challenges. The goal is to strengthen their domain knowledge and develop muscle memory to more effectively deal with an actual crisis. A Crisis Sim administrator can assign clearly defined roles by aligning participants’ tasks with their actual job duties, ensuring the drills reflect real-life scenarios. Upon assignment, players receive notifications about their upcoming exercise, followed by a message signaling the start of their role-specific decision point or “inject.” Drill mode follows a sequential “pass the baton” style relay, allowing only one role to have an active task at any given time, with the completion of an active task triggering the next task. Some exercises may require players to complete multiple injects in succession, creating a cohesive and dynamic experience. Individual players’ decisions (good or bad) will significantly impact how the scenario unfolds for others, mimicking the interdependence and complexity of real crises. Benefits for Customers Drill mode was developed using direct customer feedback. Immersive Labs users were looking to exercise teams with role-relevant content to increase exercising engagement. With drill mode, and unlike competing solutions, participants aren’t expected to answer injects outside their area of expertise – ensuring a more focused and realistic experience. Drill mode’s emphasis on role-specific tasks promotes a more authentic depiction of how crisis responses really unfold. Recognizing no individual holds all decision-making power during a crisis, Drill mode reinforces collaboration and coordination among team members. Data gathered during a drill scenario allows teams to identify points of weakness and develop targeted training interventions. Drill mode also enables organizations to track the time needed for participants to complete each inject. This valuable metric provides insights into individual and team performance, giving organizations more data to refine their crisis response strategies and optimize resource allocation. Embracing Remote-First Work Environments With the proliferation of remote work, Crisis Simulator’s drill mode adapts nicely to evolving organizational needs. Players receive notifications and contribute when required. This remote-first approach enables seamless participation and ensures teams are well-prepared, regardless of geographical dispersion. Our micro-drills allow key contributors to allocate less than 10 minutes per decision point, significantly reducing their time commitment compared to traditional full-day drills. This efficient utilization of resources maximizes productivity and minimizes disruption to daily operations. Immersive Yourself Drill mode is a powerful feature within the Crisis Simulator that unleashes the true potential of cyber crisis planning. By assigning clearly defined roles to participants, organizations can conduct team exercises where each player assumes their actual job role in completing an assigned task. With a strategic and measurable approach to cyber crisis preparedness, Crisis Simulation with drill mode identifies weaknesses and promotes collaboration among team members. With the ability to track inject completion time, adapt to remote work environments, and offer versatile scenario options, drill mode empowers organizations to build greater resilience in the face of cyber threats.
