Building real-world skills through cybersecurity simulations

What is it about?

Tabletop exercises are guided, discussion-based simulations where participants work through a realistic problem and decide how they would respond, much like a team practicing for a real emergency. In this course, students complete several of these exercises throughout the semester, beginning with simpler, low-pressure scenarios and gradually progressing to more complex situations that include defined team roles, unexpected challenges, and even planned setbacks to reflect real-world uncertainty. Through repeated practice, structured reflection, and group debriefs, students strengthen their decision-making, teamwork, and communication skills while becoming more confident and prepared for professional cybersecurity environments.

Featured Image

Photo by Campaign Creators on Unsplash

Photo by Campaign Creators on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Cybersecurity professionals rarely face clear, step-by-step problems with obvious answers. In real situations, they must make decisions quickly, often with limited information, competing priorities, and pressure from others. Traditional lectures can teach concepts, but they do not fully prepare students for the uncertainty and teamwork required in real incidents. Tabletop exercises give students a safe space to practice thinking through complex problems, communicating with a team, and learning from mistakes before the stakes are real. By repeatedly engaging in realistic scenarios, students build confidence, strengthen critical thinking skills, and better connect what they learn in class to the challenges they will face in the workforce.