Preparedness against cyber threats is no longer optional, it's essential. That's why Mastercard and Immersive Labs partnered to create a comprehensive guide on the importance of cyber crisis exercising, revealing how organizations can strengthen operational resilience and reduce the impact of inevitable cyberattacks. The joint report, Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail: Cyber Crisis Exercising for Operational Resilience is a practical, data-driven blueprint that equips leaders with strategies for preparing their people and processes for high-pressure cyber incidents.
Here are the key takeaways you'll gain from the report:
1. Cyberattacks are inevitable, but resilience is a choice
In an era where digital connectivity drives every aspect of business, cyberattacks are an ever-present threat. Firewalls, antivirus solutions, and compliance measures are essential, but even the most secure systems can be breached. This report emphasizes that resilience isn’t just about having the right tools in place - it’s about preparedness. Organizations that accept the inevitability of cyber incidents and proactively prepare for them are better positioned to protect their business continuity, reputation, and stakeholder trust. This mindset shift turns vulnerability into strength, equipping your teams to respond confidently when the unexpected occurs.
2. Cyber crisis exercises aren’t optional
Organizations often rely on theoretical incident response plans that have never been tested under real-world conditions. This report presents compelling data showing that organizations conducting regular crisis simulations resolved breaches 54 days faster on average. These organizations also achieved $1.49 million in cost savings per incident thanks to reduced disruption and faster recovery. Crisis simulations immerse teams in realistic scenarios, challenging them to make decisions under pressure, coordinate across functions, and think strategically. It’s not just a test, its building muscle memory and refining response protocols for when it matters most.
3. Technology alone isn’t enough, people and processes must be ready
Cyber resilience isn’t just about investing in cutting-edge tools, it’s about ensuring your people and processes can rise to the occasion. The report highlights that 80% of cybersecurity leaders lack confidence in their team’s preparedness. Only 36% believe certifications and traditional training are enough to build effective crisis response skills. Realistic crisis exercises go beyond standard training. They test how individuals and teams collaborate under stress, ensuring everyone from technical responders to executives knows their role in managing a crisis. By simulating high-pressure scenarios, organizations can identify and bridge skills gaps, transforming theoretical knowledge into practical capability.
4. Actionable insights and ROI modeling
Crisis exercises deliver measurable business value. The report introduces Mastercard’s Cyber Risk Quantification (CRQ) framework, which models the financial impact of cyber crises and shows how proactive preparation can deliver a 5X return on investment. Key insights include:
- How to calculate cost savings from faster breach resolution and reduced downtime
- The role of crisis simulations in lowering recovery costs and reputational damage
- The potential for reduced cyber insurance premiums and enhanced stakeholder trust
The research is clear: investing in preparedness isn’t a cost, it’s a strategic advantage that pays off in both risk reduction and financial terms.
5. Real-world success stories you can learn from
Theory is one thing and real-world application is another. The report features a compelling case study of a major financial institution in Central America that partnered with Mastercard and Immersive Labs to conduct a ransomware crisis simulation. Through the exercise, the organization uncovered critical gaps in communication, decision-making, and response execution. The result was a comprehensive, two-year improvement plan that:
- Strengthened internal collaboration and role clarity
- Enhanced playbook execution and communication strategies
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Elevated resilience and stakeholder confidence
This case study demonstrates the transformative power of crisis exercises, showcasing how organizations can turn simulated lessons into tangible improvements and long-term resilience.
Whether you’re a CISO, risk manager, or executive leader, this report offers insights you can’t miss.
Click below to download the full report and start transforming your cyber resilience strategy today.
