PROCESSES
Playbook
A comprehensive guide containing strategies, procedures, and best practices for handling scenarios.
Playbook
A comprehensive guide containing strategies, procedures, and best practices for handling scenarios.
"The Strategy Guide"
While a Runbook is a checklist for a specific task ("Fix Database"), a Playbook is a strategy for a broad scenario ("Data Breach" or "Region Failure").
Playbook vs. Runbook
- Runbook: Tactical. "Type this command." (Micro).
- Playbook: Strategic. "Who do we need to call? What is the legal implication? Do we shut down the site?" (Macro).
Common Playbooks
- Security Incident Playbook: Handling hackers or data leaks.
- Disaster Recovery Playbook: What if the data center burns down?
- Black Friday Playbook: How to handle 10x traffic.
ExThe Ransomware Attack
"A company was hit by ransomware. No single "command" could fix it."
Impact
Using their Security Playbook, they knew the sequence: 1. Isolate Network. 2. Contact Legal. 3. Notify Customers.
Resolution
The playbook kept the team organized during a chaotic, multi-day event.
Why Playbook Matters
Playbooks are broader than runbooks. They include the "why" and strategic thinking, not just steps.
Good playbooks help teams make decisions in complex, ambiguous situations.
Common Pitfalls
Too Detailed
Trying to write every single command. Link to specific Runbooks instead. Keep the Playbook high-level.
How to Use Playbook
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Include Context: Explain why, not just what.
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Iterate: Update based on real incidents.
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Share Knowledge: Make playbooks accessible to everyone.
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a playbook for everything?
No. Playbooks are for high-stakes, complex scenarios where bad decisions are costly.