Why Simulating a Ransomware Attack Could Be the Best Move Your Organisation Makes This Year

In today's threat landscape, ransomware isn't just a buzzword — it's one of the most pervasive and damaging cyber threats facing organisations across all sectors. From healthcare and finance to manufacturing and government, no one is immune. And while investments in security tools and monitoring are critical, they're not enough on their own.

To truly prepare for a ransomware attack, organisations must go beyond theory. That's where desktop cyber exercises come in.

What are desktop cyber exercises?

Desktop cyber (or tabletop) exercises are structured, scenario-based simulations that allow organisations to rehearse their response to cyber incidents without touching production systems. These sessions walk teams through realistic attack sequences in a controlled environment, highlighting strengths and revealing gaps in response capabilities.

When focused on ransomware, these exercises simulate the full lifecycle of an attack, from initial compromise and lateral movement, to encryption, ransom demand, and potential data exfiltration. Participants are challenged to respond in real-time, based on their roles, using existing incident response plans and available tooling.

Why ransomware simulations matter

Ransomware attacks unfold quickly. They demand coordination, technical accuracy, and clear decision-making under pressure. A single misstep can lead to extended downtime, legal liability, regulatory scrutiny and reputational damage.

A ransomware desktop exercise helps teams to:

• Test Incident Response Plans Under Pressure - Paper plans don't always translate well in a crisis. Exercises help identify where your procedures fall short, from escalation paths to decision authority.
• Validate Technical Readiness - Can your team detect early indicators of compromise? Is backup and recovery truly functional under time constraints? Exercises help verify the efficacy of Extended Detection and Response (EDR), Security Incident Event Management (SIEM), network controls and response workflows.
• Improve Communication Across Functions - Ransomware is not just an IT issue, it's a business continuity and reputational risk. Exercises bring together technical, legal, executive and communications stakeholders to ensure everyone is aligned when seconds count.
• Build Confidence and Muscle Memory - Repetition breeds readiness. Teams that practice together are more likely to respond calmly, cohesively and correctly in a real incident.

What happens during a ransomware desktop exercise?

Participants are guided through a scenario modelled on real-world attack patterns, typically aligned with the MITRE ATT&CK framework. As the simulated incident evolves, teams are required to interpret logs, respond to simulated threat actor behaviour, make containment decisions, coordinate external notifications, and evaluate recovery strategies.

Injects might include:

• A phishing email that triggers initial access
• Detection of lateral movement through logs
• Discovery of encrypted systems or a ransom note
• Media inquiries or regulatory notifications
• Forensic findings that suggest data exfiltration

At the end, teams debrief with our facilitators and receive a detailed report that outlines observed strengths, areas for improvement, and concrete recommendations to improve both technical and organisational readiness.

Building cyber resilience

Regulators and cyber insurers increasingly expect organisations to demonstrate not just planning but testing of their response capabilities. Desktop exercises fulfil this requirement while delivering far more than a checkbox, they foster a culture of preparedness and continuous improvement.

Whether your organisation has never faced a ransomware incident or is looking to strengthen existing defences, desktop exercises offer an invaluable way to uncover blind spots before threat actors do.

Summary

Ransomware readiness isn't just about tools and technology, it's about people, process and preparation. Desktop cyber exercises bring all three together in a powerful, low-risk way to enhance your security posture and resilience.

Contact us using the form below for more information on how a desktop cyber exercise can benefit your organisation.