brainstorming template for table top exercise scenario building
DESCRIPTION
The purpose of this generic template is to help get the ball rolling with the brainstorming and planning of a Table Top Exercise (TTX) scenario with some useful ideas and questions, as well as provide guidance to help: 1. Identify the goals of the scenario and the TTX 2. Frame the fundamental components of the scenario 3. Create a vision for the TTX 4. Understand where the scenario and exercise fits with current needs in addressing gapsTRANSCRIPT
Template for Table Top Exercise Building: Scenario Brainstorming
Prepared by Lydia Kostopoulos, PhD@[email protected]
Feel free to copy, distribute, and expand on this templateMay 2014
Pre-Scenario Building Questions
The purpose of this generic template is to help get the ball rolling with the brainstorming and planning of a Table Top Exercise (TTX) scenario with some useful ideas and questions, as well as provide guidance to help:
• Identify the goals of the scenario and the TTX• Frame the fundamental components of the scenario• Create a vision for the TTX• Understand where the scenario and exercise fits with current needs in
addressing gaps
Dr. Lydia Kostopoulos @LKCyber
Why do I want to conduct a table top exercise? What is my goal? What do I want to accomplish?A seemingly obvious question but it is important to word it out before starting, helpscreate a framework moving forward.
What strategic level gaps do I want to explore? Why?You can put one or several. Prioritize them starting with the most important to the least important.
Dr. Lydia Kostopoulos @LKCyber
What threat(s) do I want to incorporate into the scenario?You can put one or several. Prioritize them starting with the most important to the least important.
What vulnerability/weakness do I want to explore?You can put one or several. Prioritize them starting with the most important to the least important.
Dr. Lydia Kostopoulos @LKCyber
Which types of aggressor actors do I want to include the scenario?You can put one or several. Prioritize them starting with the most important to the least important.
What friendly targets am I interested in protecting?You can put one or several. Prioritize them starting with the most important to the least important.
Dr. Lydia Kostopoulos @LKCyber
Pre-Scenario Building Questions: TTX Panel Prep
The purpose of these questions is to identify the participants of the table top panel and their backgrounds.
*They should be chosen based on how they fit the identified goals of the exercise
Dr. Lydia Kostopoulos @LKCyber
What sectors should the participants represent? How will this contribute to the goal of the TTX?Ex: Military, Academia, Private Sector, Law Enforcement, etc.
Military
Private Sector
Law Enforcement
Academia
Media
How long should the table top exercise run for? One hour, two, half a day, a day, three days…
How many people should be included in the panel?3? 5? 10?
Dr. Lydia Kostopoulos @LKCyber
Pre-Scenario Building Questions: Logistics
Before the scenario is drafted it is good to have an idea of how long the exercise will run for and how many people will be in the panel. These two come hand in hand when it comes to determining exercise duration and invite logistics.
Will there be observers? If so how many? You can put several but prioritize them starting with the most important to the least importantIf there are observers will they participate at some point during the TTX? If there are, what value do the observers’ participation bring to the exercise? When would they participate and how?
Keep the goals of the exercise in mind and be realistic of time limitations of TTX participants’ schedule.
If you have any questions or would like moreinformation or other templates don’t hesitate toget in touch!
Dr. Lydia Kostopoulos
@LKCyber
www.linkedin.com/in/lydiak