The Goals of Security Testing
Organizations may require various types of security testing depending on their cybersecurity strategy and goals. A penetration tester’s role is to identify as many vulnerabilities as possible within a defined timeframe and a specific set of assets, typically a group of IP addresses. To ensure broad coverage, most testers begin with automated vulnerability scans. They then follow up with manual tools to investigate potential weaknesses more thoroughly. If the process ends with identifying vulnerabilities, it qualifies as a vulnerability assessment. However, if the tester attempts to exploit and chain these vulnerabilities to access systems and extract sample data, it becomes a full penetration test. In both scenarios, the primary objective is to uncover and report security flaws to help prevent future breaches.
Real-world attacks, however, don’t follow the structured rules of security testing. Attackers exploit any available method to gain access and often need only a single weak point. Since penetration testing focuses on technical flaws, it doesn’t always reflect the organization’s actual exposure to threats. This is where red teaming becomes relevant.
How Red Team Assessments Are Done
Red teaming expands on penetration testing by simulating real-world attack techniques to determine if a breach is possible. These assessments often include evaluations of security controls, threat intelligence capabilities, and incident response readiness. Borrowing terminology from military simulations, this is known as a red team versus blue team exercise. The red team acts as the attacker, while the blue team defends the organization. Red team members may come from the internal security team, but external experts are often preferred. These external specialists typically have no prior knowledge of the organization, which helps simulate a more realistic attack. Their mission is to bypass defenses, remain undetected, execute an attack, and present sensitive data as evidence of success.
Depending on the organization’s readiness and testing scope, red team operations may be limited to digital systems or include physical security as well. In comprehensive exercises, attackers might use social engineering tactics like phishing or impersonation. They may also deploy specialized electronic tools to compromise both physical and network security.
Expect the Unexpected
Red teamers are assigned specific objectives, such as extracting intellectual property or financial records from internal systems. Unlike standard penetration tests, red team operations are conducted covertly. This ensures that employees and security systems respond as they would during a real attack. Such operations require detailed planning and executive approval to maintain a balance between realism and safety. The simulation must not disrupt business operations, and the red team must be protected from legal consequences if discovered. Since their actions could technically violate laws, comprehensive legal agreements and disclaimers are essential.
Despite precautions, unexpected situations can arise. Staff cannot be informed in advance, and their reactions may be unpredictable. For instance, if physical security is outsourced, guards might contact law enforcement or respond aggressively before the simulation can be halted. Red team exercises can span several weeks, and the executive sponsor might be unavailable at a critical moment. There’s also the risk that the simulated attack could temporarily disable the company’s network or detection systems, leaving it vulnerable to real threats. Even though it’s a test, the stakes are high, and things can go wrong.
Should You Use Red Teaming?
Red teaming can be intimidating—and for good reason. Unlike penetration testing, it’s not suitable for every organization. To conduct a red team assessment safely and effectively, an organization must already have strong security foundations and be prepared to face a wide range of threat scenarios. If there’s confidence in the organization’s defenses, a red team operation can validate that belief. If there’s awareness of existing weaknesses and a desire to improve, less aggressive testing methods may be more appropriate. Before engaging penetration testers, vulnerability researchers, or red team specialists, it’s wise to first assess web application security using a reliable and user-friendly DAST solution like Invicti. This can help identify and resolve many critical issues independently.
