Why tabletop security exercises matter

When a real incident happens, organisations rarely have the luxury of time. Decisions must be made quickly, communication needs to be clear and roles must be understood instinctively. This is where tabletop security exercises make a real difference says Jonathan Moore, Director of Operations at Unitrust.

A tabletop exercise is a structured, discussion-based scenario that allows teams to walk through how they would respond to a potential incident.  That could be anything from a security breach, a protest to cyber incidents or major disruptions. Unlike theoretical planning, these exercises place people into realistic situations where decision-making is tested in real time.

Policies and procedures are essential, but they are only effective if people know how to apply them under pressure. Tabletop exercises help translate written plans into practical action. They highlight gaps in communication, clarify responsibilities and expose assumptions that may not hold up during a real event.

However, not all theoretical exercises deliver real value.  A common mistake is relying on overly scripted scenarios where participants already know the outcome. While structure is important, realism comes from uncertainty. Effective exercises should challenge decision-making, encourage discussion and allow teams to experience the complexity of a live situation.

Another pitfall is limiting participation to security teams alone. Most incidents require input from multiple functions such as operations, facilities, HR, communications and senior leadership.

Without cross-functional involvement, exercises risk missing the very coordination challenges they are meant to identify.

Equally important is what happens after the exercise ends. Without clear follow-up actions, lessons learned quickly fade, and the same weaknesses remain unaddressed. Tabletop exercises should generate practical improvements, not simply tick a training box.

Perhaps the biggest misconception is treating exercises as a compliance activity rather than a learning opportunity. When approached purely as a requirement, organisations miss the chance to strengthen confidence, improve collaboration and build genuine operational readiness.

Regular, well-designed tabletop exercises help teams develop clarity, confidence and speed of response. Because in a crisis, organisations do not rise to the occasion  they fall back on what they have practised.

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If you would like us to arrange a tabletop exercise at your premises or discuss any aspect of your security needs please contact Jonathan Moore jmoore@unitrust.co.uk