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AusCERT, Australia’s first computer emergency response team, has launched a new service aimed at enhancing the readiness of organisations to respond to cyber incidents. The Tabletop Exercise Service (TTX), announced in Brisbane, is designed to help businesses of all sizes test and improve their ability to manage a range of incidents.
Dr Ivano Bongiovanni, General Manager at AusCERT, highlights the importance of this new service for boosting organisations’ capabilities in incident response, business continuity, and crisis management. “Effective incident response is not just about having a playbook. Custom-designed tabletop exercises allow businesses to focus on their specific needs and objectives,” he says.
Inclusive Approach to Incident Response
One of the key features of AusCERT’s TTX service is its emphasis on participation from various parts of the business. The exercises engage not only cybersecurity professionals but also operational staff, IT leaders, marketing teams, and senior executives.
“Everyone has a role to play in these exercises. The diversity in participation ensures a full understanding of how different roles interact, as well as their responsibilities during an incident. This allows the organisation to coordinate a swift and cohesive response,” Dr Bongiovanni explains.
Realistic Scenarios Without Resource Strain
The exercises are designed to be discussion-based, focusing on roles, responsibilities, and decision-making. “Our facilitators guide participants through realistic scenarios without the need to deploy actual equipment. This keeps the focus on collaboration and strategy rather than resource allocation,” Dr Bongiovanni says.
By doing this, organisations can refine their strategies and approaches to incident response in a low-pressure environment, giving them the opportunity to address gaps and improve coordination.
Building a Culture of Preparedness
AusCERT’s new service aims to help organisations test and validate their existing incident response plans, emphasising the need for preparation. According to Dr Bongiovanni, preparedness is key to handling real-world cyber incidents. “Making the best decisions during an actual incident requires both planning and practice. These exercises give participants the muscle memory they need, allowing them to respond confidently and effectively when incidents occur.”
The TTXs also highlight the importance of coordination and stakeholder management, helping to build a culture of continuous improvement within organisations.
Accessible to All Organisations
The new service is available to organisations across Australia, regardless of size. As a not-for-profit, AusCERT is focused on making this service accessible to smaller organisations that may not have had the resources to conduct such exercises in the past.
Dr Bongiovanni believes this is a vital step in ensuring that more businesses are prepared to face the growing number of cyber threats. “This service is about helping organisations improve their readiness, no matter their size or budget,” he says.
For more information on the Tabletop Exercise Service and how to register, visit the AusCERT website.
Last Updated on October 8, 2024 by Nick Ross
