RED Team

RED Teaming: Simulation of realistic attack scenarios to improve IT security

RED Teaming focuses on identifying and exploiting security gaps in a company's IT infrastructure. This involves adopting the perspective of an attacker in order to simulate realistic attack scenarios and comprehensively assess the security situation. This offensive method is a central component of modern IT security strategies and complements the work of defenders such as the BLUE Teamwhich specialises in defending against such attacks.

RED teaming methods and tools

Red teaming refers to a variety of techniques, tactics (TTPs) and tools that are used to specifically uncover vulnerabilities in IT systems, business processes and physical security. In contrast to traditional penetration tests, which primarily identify technical gaps, a red team relies on realistic simulations of complex cyber attacks. This includes social engineering campaigns such as spear phishing, which exploit human weaknesses and simulate attacks by real actors as authentically as possible. The aim of red teaming is to test a company's response and resilience to potential threats and ensure that defence mechanisms are effective.

In addition to digital methods, the Red Team also analyses physical security - for example, by bypassing access controls, manipulating infrastructure or controlled break-in attempts. This offensive security strategy not only uncovers obvious risks, but also identifies structural weaknesses that could jeopardise the overall level of security in the long term. From the activities of the Red Team, both the Blue Team for defence and the Purple Teamwhich promotes dialogue between the two, gain valuable insights. This creates an effective interplay that continuously improves the organisation and ensures that identified weaknesses are eliminated in the long term.

What is the difference to a classic pentest?

Our approach is modular. Depending on the respective modules, security gaps in the IT infrastructure are identified. In contrast to penetration tests, we don't just use automated tools, but instead our experts take an individualised approach to the conditions of the existing infrastructure.

Advantages of RED Teaming

Red Teaming offers companies an effective way to test and improve their IT security under realistic conditions. Through the targeted simulation of realistic cyber attacks, potential vulnerabilities in IT systems, applications and business processes can be recognised at an early stage and closed in a targeted manner. A Red Team consists of experienced security experts who act like real attackers and use a variety of methods and tools - in the spirit of offensive security to uncover specific vulnerabilities.

The use of Red Teaming not only enables the evaluation of existing security measures, but also supports the development of future-proof strategies to recognise attacks at an early stage and respond to them effectively. The close cooperation with the Blue Team, which is responsible for defence, creates valuable synergies. The interaction between the two sides - often referred to as the Purple Team provides insights that strengthen the resilience of your organisation in the long term. The difference between the Red Team and Blue Team thus becomes an advantage: targeted simulated attacks by the Red Team allow security gaps to be identified, while the Blue Team improves its ability to react and thus continuously optimises your company's overall cyber security.

see also: Cyber Defence Center

Categorized according to the logic of the Unified Kill Chain

Cooperation with BLUE and PURPLE teams

In order to make optimal use of the results of the RED Teaming simulations and to derive concrete measures for your IT security, the RED Team and the BLUE team work closely together. The RED team, which takes the perspective of the attackers, uncovers vulnerabilities in your IT infrastructure, while the BLUE Team as the defender, reviews and further develops your security measures. This collaboration ensures that security gaps are not only identified but also effectively closed to better protect your company against real attacks.

A key role in this process is played by the PURPLE teamwhich acts as an interface between the offensive and defensive teams. It ensures that the findings from the attack simulations flow seamlessly into your defense strategies. RED Teaming thus combines offensive and defensive security approaches, allowing you to benefit from a comprehensive security strategy.

RED Team and BLUE Team working together: Realistic attacks, real defense

The close cooperation between your teams enables a continuous cycle of improvement. The RED Team uses realistic attack methods to uncover vulnerabilities in your infrastructure, which are then analyzed by the BLUE team analyzed and remedied. By using state-of-the-art tools and methods, such as penetration tests and social engineering simulations, your security measures are put to the test in a practical manner. This iterative approach strengthens the resilience of your IT security and optimally prepares your company for real attacks.

What does RED Teaming offer your company?

RED Teaming offers your company a comprehensive approach that combines offensive and defensive security methods. The close coordination between your RED Team, BLUE Team and PURPLE Team helps you to identify and eliminate security gaps at an early stage. This method ensures that your security measures are always up to date and can withstand realistic attack scenarios.

Transparent security reports for management and technical teams

We understand that reports are an essential part of our service provision. Our reports are therefore essentially divided into two areas:

1. Executive summary for management
2. Detailed findings for the technical team.

Of course, we not only provide you with the findings themselves, but also an assessment of the weakness and a recommendation on how you can rectify it.

Qualified inspection body within the meaning of the NISG

Fulfillment of necessary requirements, which are also validated accordingly by the BMI

• Experienced auditors
• Security-cleared auditors within the meaning of the Security Police Act (§ 55a para. 2 SPG)
• Taking own security precautions (e.g. ISO27001 certification)
• Use of suitable hacker tools
• Application of a suitable testing process
• Appointment by decision
• Companies with a head office and registered office in Austria