What specific action do security consultants recommend during a tabletop exercise?

In a tabletop exercise, security consultants emphasize the importance of identifying and acting upon a specific objective. This practice is crucial because the main goal of such exercises is to evaluate the effectiveness of a business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) plan within a controlled environment. By establishing a specific objective, participants can focus their discussions and actions around a particular scenario, which helps to ensure that all aspects of the response plan are tested and that participants are aligned on their roles and responsibilities.

The necessity of a clear objective not only drives the exercise's structure but also enhances the learning outcomes for those involved. It allows for a more organized analysis of the situation, facilitating insights into how the plan can be improved or whether it effectively addresses the potential threats faced. This ensures participants engage meaningfully with the content and dynamics of the event scenario rather than getting sidetracked by unrelated issues.

While reviewing and collecting feedback on BCDR plans is beneficial, it does not provide the immediate, scenario-based testing that defines a tabletop exercise. Similarly, while analyzing the effectiveness of the plan or responding to an imaginary event may be part of the process, neither of these actions alone encapsulates the primary focus of the exercise, which is centered around achieving a designated objective.