CyberCom | Digital Forensics Experts

Tabletop simulations have emerged as a vital tool for helping organizations and their teams prepare for cyber breaches, particularly given the profound physical, mental, and emotional toll that such incidents can impose. As cyberattacks become more prevalent and sophisticated, businesses must adopt comprehensive strategies that go beyond technical responses and address the human element. Cyberattacks, especially ransomware, have demonstrated the capacity to cause significant disruptions not only to business operations but also to the well-being of individuals directly involved in responding to the crises. The impact can often include long-term psychological effects akin to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as noted in recent studies.

The psychological impact of cyber breaches

The nature of cyber attacks, ransomware attacks in particular, creates a highly stressful environment for employees, especially those responsible for responding to the attack. In recent research, interviewees shared the emotional and physical exhaustion experienced during and after dealing with a ransomware incident, with some suffering from long-term mental health issues, including PTSD. Employees involved in managing the attack often experience intense pressure, working long hours with little sleep, feeling overwhelmed by the severity of the incident, and decisions related to restoring normal operations. Just imagine having to consider whether to pay a ransom against the alternative of a lengthy and costly restoration initiative. While paying the ransom might be ethically questionable, it is often significantly cheaper. The decision whether or not to pay has to take into account the needs of all internal and external stakeholders, which is even a daunting prospect during simulations.

In one case, employees of an organisation that had previously suffered a ransomware attack described feelings of PTSD that would resurface whenever they walked through the office doors. The attack had not only impacted the organisation financially but left lasting emotional scars on its employees. For many, this experience highlighted the importance of addressing the human aspects of cyber breaches, particularly the mental health of those involved.

This situation mirrors the psychological toll experienced by soldiers who return from the frontline with PTSD. Just as governments have been held accountable for the mental health of military personnel, it is foreseeable that in the future, corporations could face similar scrutiny for the role they play in the mental well-being of employees dealing with cyber breaches. Legal frameworks may evolve to hold organisations responsible for failing to provide adequate support or preparation for the psychological impact of these attacks.

Tabletop simulations: A Safe space for mental and emotional preparation

Tabletop simulations offer an invaluable opportunity for organisations to prepare their teams not only for the technical challenges of a cyber breach but also for the mental and emotional pressures that arise during such incidents. By simulating a breach scenario in a controlled, low-stakes environment, employees can practice decision-making under pressure, experience the stress of the situation, and develop coping strategies, all without the real-world consequences of an actual breach.

During a recent tabletop exercise we conducted at a company that had been previously breached, participants noted the therapeutic value of revisiting the event in a safe space. This exercise allowed the team to process the incident, understand what went wrong, and how they could have responded differently. Discussing the event in a non-threatening environment helped some employees address residual PTSD and come to terms with their experience.

Simulations create a deeper level of preparedness by encouraging employees to confront the emotional realities of cyber breaches before they occur. This preparation can mitigate the risk of long-term psychological harm, as employees are better equipped to handle the stress of an actual breach when it occurs.

Physical and emotional resilience in cyber crisis response

Tabletop exercises can also prepare teams physically and mentally for the demands of managing a cyber incident. A breach typically requires around-the-clock responses from IT staff, crisis management teams, and legal professionals, who must work tirelessly to restore services, manage public relations, and minimize the damage caused by the attack. This period of intense activity can lead to burnout, physical exhaustion, and, in severe cases, serious health complications like heart attacks or strokes, as experienced by some individuals in the aftermath of high-pressure breaches.

By simulating these conditions in tabletop exercises, organisations can test the physical resilience of their teams and assess their capacity to handle prolonged crises. Simulations can also reveal vulnerabilities in crisis management plans, such as the need to have an accepted position regarding ransom payments or the inclusion of external subject matter experts into the response team. These insights allow organisations to refine their response strategies to better support the well-being of employees.

The role of mental health coaching in cyber preparedness

Recognising the significant mental health risks associated with cyber breaches, some companies are now partnering with mental health coaches and trauma counsellors to provide additional support during and after incident response. These professionals play a critical role in helping teams cope with the psychological strain of managing a breach.

Through tabletop exercises, organisations can integrate mental health coaching into their incident response training, allowing employees to develop techniques for managing stress and emotional pressure. Mental health professionals can also help teams debrief after the simulation, providing guidance on how to process the experience and offering tools for managing anxiety or emotional distress.

For organisations that have already experienced a cyber breach, these exercises can be particularly therapeutic, helping teams to address unresolved trauma and fostering a sense of closure. Employees who feel that their emotional well-being is prioritised are likely to recover more quickly from the incident and maintain higher levels of engagement and productivity in the long term.

Preparing for future legal and ethical accountability

As the corporate world becomes increasingly aware of the psychological toll of cyber breaches, it is conceivable that organizations could one day face legal action for failing to protect employees from the mental health impacts of cyber incidents. Much like the way governments are held accountable for the psychological health of soldiers, businesses could eventually be held liable for the emotional and psychological harm suffered by their employees in the wake of a cyber breach​.

This potential legal and ethical shift highlights the importance of proactive preparation. By conducting tabletop simulations that address not only the technical aspects of a breach but also the human element, organizations can demonstrate that they are taking meaningful steps to safeguard the mental health of their employees. In doing so, they not only reduce the risk of legal repercussions but also create a more resilient and engaged workforce.

How Cybercom can help

Tabletop simulations are a powerful tool for preparing teams for the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of cyber breaches. As the psychological toll of these incidents becomes more widely recognised, organisations must take proactive steps to ensure their employees are equipped to handle the stress of a breach. Our experienced team has designed simulations that mirror our experiences in the real-world, including optional observation and by mental health practitioners, ensuring your team is well prepared if the worst ever happens.

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