Cyberattacks can feel like something that only happens to big companies. But they’re becoming more common everywhere—from schools to hospitals to small businesses. 

Hackers look for weaknesses and take advantage fast. Knowing what a cyberattack looks like can help you respond quicker and smarter.

What a cyberattack does

A cyberattack can take many forms. Some are loud and obvious. Others are quiet and slow. In every case, the goal is to steal, block, change, or control your data and systems.

The most common type of attack is phishing. That’s when someone gets tricked into clicking a fake link or opening a bad attachment. It might look like an email from your bank or boss, but it’s really from a hacker. Once clicked, malware can get installed.

Another popular attack is ransomware. This is when hackers lock up your files and demand money to unlock them. It can happen in minutes. One infected device can spread across your entire network.

There are also attacks on your website or online services. Hackers can flood your system with traffic until it crashes. This is called a DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack. These are often used to distract teams while another attack happens in the background.

How it feels when it happens

Most people don’t notice the attack right away. It might start with a weird error or a slow system. Then someone realizes they can’t access their files. Or a customer calls to say your site is down. Sometimes, there’s just a note on the screen demanding payment.

It can feel confusing and stressful. People don’t know if they should turn off their computers or keep working. IT teams rush to figure out what’s going on. Leaders try to decide whether to tell customers or law enforcement.

Communication gets harder. Email might be down. Phone systems might be affected. Trust gets shaken, both inside and outside the organization.

The longer it takes to respond, the worse it gets. Attackers may move through your systems quietly, copying files, stealing passwords, or setting up future attacks. By the time it’s noticed, the damage might already be done.

Why practice helps you stay calm

The best way to prepare is to practice. Just like schools run fire drills, organizations need to run a security tabletop exercise. This is a low-stress, discussion-based event where team members walk through a fake cyberattack. It’s not technical or hands-on. It’s about thinking, reacting, and learning together.

During a tabletop, you get a pretend scenario. Maybe it starts with a phishing email. Then someone reports a locked file. You talk through each step—who would respond, who needs to be told, and what actions would be taken.

This helps everyone understand their roles. It also shows where gaps exist. Maybe your team doesn’t know how to reach the IT lead after hours. Maybe customer support doesn’t have a script ready for outages. The exercise brings those issues to light before a real attack happens.

It also gives people confidence. In a real emergency, fear and panic can take over. If you’ve practiced before, you’re less likely to freeze. You’ve seen the process. You’ve had the hard conversations. That makes a big difference.

Start simple and build from there

You don’t need a fancy system to get started. Begin with your core team—IT, communications, leadership, and any critical departments. Run a basic scenario and see how it goes.

Write down what worked and what didn’t. Create a checklist of steps. Save contact numbers. Update policies. Then, plan another exercise later with a new scenario.

Over time, you can invite more people, test more complex situations, or bring in outside experts. The goal isn’t to pass or fail. It’s to learn. Every session makes your team stronger and more prepared.

Conclusion

Cyberattacks are fast, stressful, and often confusing. They can hit any organization, no matter the size or industry. 

But with the right preparation, you can reduce the damage and respond more effectively. Running a security tabletop exercise is one of the best ways to build that readiness.

Don’t wait for a real attack to find out where your team struggles. Practice now, learn now, and protect your future.