Preparedness is defined by the Department of Homeland Security as “a continuous cycle of planning, organizing, training, equipping, exercising, evaluating, and taking corrective action in an effort to ensure effective coordination during incident response.” In cybersecurity, as in many fields, hands-on practice is essential to developing the skills and instincts necessary for effective response to incidents.

Threat Simulation exercises, such as tabletop exercises, red and purple team operations, and penetration testing, are critical components of this hands-on training. These exercises help build muscle memory, allowing cybersecurity professionals to respond quickly and effectively under pressure.