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Comparison
Tabletop Exercise vs Cyber Range
Both train incident response, but they're completely different approaches. Here's how to choose the right one for your team.
10 min read
For Security Teams
Choose the Right Training Method
Both tabletop exercises and cyber ranges train incident response, but they serve different purposes. The best programs use both: tabletops for decision-making and coordination,cyber ranges for technical skills.
$0-5K
Tabletop cost
$50K+
Cyber range cost
Both
Ideal approach
Side-by-Side Comparison
Tabletop Exercise
Discussion-based training where teams walk through scenarios and make decisions without actually executing them.
Best For:
- Testing procedures and playbooks
- Leadership decision-making
- Cross-team coordination
- Compliance requirements
$0-5K
Per exercise
2-4 hours
Time required
Pros:
- • Low cost, no infrastructure needed
- • No production risk
- • Easy to customize scenarios
- • Focuses on decision-making
- • Great for leadership training
Cons:
- • No hands-on technical practice
- • Can't test tool configurations
- • Requires good facilitation
Cyber Range
Live technical environment where teams actually execute incident response using real tools and systems.
Best For:
- Technical skills development
- Tool proficiency
- Forensics practice
- Red team vs blue team
$50K-500K
Initial + annual
8+ hours
Per session
Pros:
- • Hands-on technical practice
- • Tests actual tool proficiency
- • Realistic attack scenarios
- • Can test configurations
Cons:
- • Very expensive to build/maintain
- • Requires dedicated infrastructure
- • Time-intensive setup
- • May miss decision-making aspects
- • Complex to facilitate
The Verdict: Use Both
They're complementary, not competing approaches
The Ideal Training Program
Q
Quarterly: Tabletop Exercises
Test procedures, decision-making, and coordination
S
Semi-Annual: Cyber Range Technical Drills
Build hands-on technical skills and tool proficiency
A
Annual: Combined Exercise
Tabletop for leadership + cyber range for technical teams simultaneously
Start with Tabletops
Low cost, quick wins, identifies gaps in procedures
Add Cyber Range
Once procedures are solid, build technical skills
Combine for Impact
Use both to cover strategic and tactical training
Start with Tabletop Exercises
Get immediate value without infrastructure investment. Breakpoint makes it easy to run professional tabletop exercises in minutes.
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