What Is Red Teaming? Benefits & Process
Introduction to Red Teaming
Red Teaming tests an organization's security posture under realistic conditions. It differs from a classic penetration test in scope, duration and methods.
What is Red Teaming?
Red Teaming is a realistic attack simulation where a team of security experts, the so-called Red Team, attempts to penetrate an organization's systems and infrastructure. Unlike a penetration test, which usually focuses on technical vulnerabilities, the Red Team uses all available methods:
- Technical attacks: exploitation of vulnerabilities in systems and applications
- Social engineering: manipulation of employees through phishing, vishing, or personal contact
- Physical security: physical infiltration of buildings and premises
The difference from penetration testing
A penetration test usually has a defined scope ("Test our web application"). Red Teaming plays through a realistic attack scenario, just as a real attacker would.
| Aspect | Penetration Testing | Red Teaming |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Defined | Open |
| Duration | Days to weeks | Weeks to months |
| Methods | Technically focused | All vectors |
| Detection & response | Usually not tested | Actively tested |
Why TIBER-AT?
In Austria and the EU, the TIBER standard (Threat Intelligence-based Ethical Red Teaming) has established itself as best practice. TIBER-AT is the Austrian implementation of this framework and is particularly used in the financial sector.
The benefits of TIBER-compliant assessments:
- Standardized process: clear phases from Threat Intelligence to Purple Teaming
- Regulatory acceptance: meets requirements of supervisory authorities
- Comparability: results can be compared over time and between organizations
Conclusion
Red Teaming is not an extended pentest. It reviews an organization's security capabilities as a whole: the technical infrastructure, the employees and the physical security.
If you want to know how resilient your organization is against real attackers, you should consider a Red Teaming assessment.
Want to learn more? Book a free intro call with our team.