In 2024, a major Swiss public entity faced a simulated ransomware scenario during a tabletop exercise facilitated by ZENDATA. A tabletop exercise is a strategic simulation that tests an organization’s ability to respond to cyber incidents without disrupting operations. These exercises simulate real-world scenarios to evaluate processes, communication, and decision-making in a controlled setting.
What we did
Simulated a ransomware attack scenario
The scenario involved a ransomware attack targeting critical systems responsible for communication and public services, potentially causing widespread disruption.
Assessed incident response capabilities
- Assessment of the current response framework, including escalation protocols and coordination between teams.
- Assessment of the clarity and effectiveness of decision-making under pressure, including key stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities.
- Examined the public entity’s adaptability to evolving threats, identifying strengths and areas for improvement in critical operations.
- Assessment of the ability to coordinate effectively across technical teams and senior leadership.
Developed actionable recommendations
- Ensured alignment between backup policies and response timelines, incorporating frequent testing and scenario-based validation.
- Refined incident response playbooks to include clearer escalation paths, improved decision-making workflows, detailed guidelines for handling ransomware scenarios.
- Implemented structured communication protocols to improve team synchronization and reduce delays in crisis response.
Outcomes
This proactive approach significantly reduced the risk of operational disruption and improved the public entity’s ability to respond to a real incident swiftly and effectively:
- The public entity addressed key vulnerabilities, including outdated response protocols.
- A comprehensive incident response playbook was developed, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for each stakeholder group.
- The organization planned to improve procedural documentation and enhance staff training to boost awareness and readiness.
Conclusion
By addressing weaknesses in its cyber defense posture, the Swiss public entity turned a simulated scenario into a robust improvement plan. With ZENDATA’s support, the organization now stands better equipped to protect its critical systems and ensure continuity in the face of evolving cyber threats.
