Proactive Cybersecurity Services

Red Team Assessment

Find out whether a determined attacker could reach what matters most, and whether your team would notice.

Discuss a red team assessment Contact our team

Overview

A red team assessment is an objective-based simulation of a real adversary. Instead of listing every vulnerability, we pursue agreed goals, such as access to a critical system or sensitive data, using the techniques an attacker would realistically use against your organization. The result shows how attacks unfold end to end and where your defenses stopped, slowed or missed them.

Business objectives

Measure resilience against a realistic, targeted attack
Test detection and response under real conditions
Identify the attack paths that lead to critical assets
Give leadership evidence-based priorities for security investment

Why it matters

Vulnerability scans and penetration tests show individual weaknesses. Attackers chain small weaknesses together, and many incidents succeed because activity was not detected or escalated in time. Red teaming tests the whole chain, including people and processes.

Common challenges we address

Uncertainty about whether security investments would stop a real attack
Security tools in place but untested against realistic techniques
Unclear detection and escalation when an attack is in progress
Penetration test reports that do not show business impact

Scope and key activities

Threat-informed scenario design based on relevant adversary techniques
Reconnaissance and external attack surface analysis
Initial access attempts within agreed methods, which may include social engineering
Privilege escalation, lateral movement and persistence within scope
Pursuit of agreed objectives (“crown jewels”)
Covert operation to measure detection and response

Methodology

Our approach

Work starts with an assessment of your needs and a written scope. Pricing follows that scoping and sizing.

PlanningAgree objectives, scope, permitted techniques, exclusions, safety controls and a small trusted “white team” on your side.
ReconnaissanceMap people, technology and exposure as an attacker would.
ExecutionCarry out the scenario in stages, mapped to MITRE ATT&CK, with an agreed stop procedure.
AnalysisReconstruct the attack path and compare it with what your team detected and when.
DebriefWalk through findings with leadership and technical teams; optionally replay key steps with your defenders.

Deliverables and outcomes

Executive summary with business impact
Attack-path narrative and timeline
Validated findings with evidence and severity
Detection and response observations, mapped to MITRE ATT&CK
Prioritized remediation recommendations
Debrief workshop

Typical use cases

Annual validation of a mature security program
Testing a SOC or managed detection service before renewal
Assessing resilience after a major change or acquisition
Providing evidence to the board on cyber risk

Who it is for

CISO and security leadership
SOC and incident response teams
CIO / IT director
Executive management and board

Engagement options

Full-scope red team (external to objective)
Assumed-breach scenario starting from an internal foothold
Focused scenario, such as ransomware or insider threat

Prerequisites

Written authorization from an empowered executive
Agreed scope, exclusions and rules of engagement
Nominated white-team contacts
An operating detection capability (in-house or managed); otherwise start with a SOC Assessment or Purple Teaming

Frequently asked questions

How is red teaming different from penetration testing?

A penetration test aims to find as many vulnerabilities as possible within a defined target. A red team assessment pursues specific objectives with stealth, testing detection and response as well as prevention.

Will our SOC know the test is happening?

Usually only a small white team knows, so that detection and response can be measured realistically. An agreed escalation and stop procedure prevents real business disruption.

How long does a red team engagement take?

Duration depends on objectives and scope. Typical engagements run for several weeks, including planning and reporting. We confirm the timeline during scoping.

Is red teaming safe for production systems?

Techniques, exclusions and safety controls are agreed in advance. Destructive actions are not performed, and any activity that could affect availability is avoided or pre-approved.

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