Rethink Security

Red Team

redteam hacking

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

What is a red team?

A red team is a group of individuals who use their skills and expertise to challenge and test the effectiveness of an organization’s plans, processes, and systems. The term “red team” comes from the concept of “red teaming” which is a form of structured, independent analysis and evaluation that is designed to identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities in an organization’s plans, systems, and operations.

Red teams are typically composed of experts in a variety of fields, including security, engineering, risk management, and operations. They may be internal to an organization or external, and they may be hired specifically to perform red teaming exercises or may be tasked with red teaming as part of their normal duties. Red teams may use a variety of methods and techniques to test and evaluate an organization’s systems, including simulations, scenario-based exercises, and penetration testing. It is often used in conjunction with other forms of risk assessment and analysis, such as threat modeling and vulnerability testing, to provide a comprehensive view of an organization’s risk profile.

Best practices

Here are some best practices for conducting red teaming operations:

  1. Define the scope and objectives of the red teaming exercise. Before beginning a red teaming operation, it is important to clearly define the scope and objectives of the exercise. This includes identifying the specific systems, processes, or practices that will be tested, as well as the specific TTPs that will be simulated.
  2. Establish a clear chain of command. Red teaming operations often involve a team of experts working together to simulate the actions of potential adversaries. It is important to establish a clear chain of command within the red team to ensure that the exercise runs smoothly and effectively.
  3. Identify and assess potential vulnerabilities. In order to effectively simulate the actions of potential adversaries, it is important to identify and assess potential vulnerabilities within the systems, processes, or practices being tested. This can be done through a variety of methods, including penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and threat modeling.
  4. Use realistic TTPs and tactics. To provide a realistic assessment of an organization’s defenses, it is important for the red team to use TTPs and tactics that are similar to those that could be used by real-world adversaries. This includes using real-world tools and techniques, as well as simulating the motivations and objectives of potential attackers.
  5. Conduct thorough after-action reviews. After a red teaming operation has been completed, it is important to conduct a thorough after-action review to identify any areas for improvement and to develop a plan for addressing any vulnerabilities that were identified. This should include a detailed analysis of the red team’s tactics and techniques, as well as a review of the organization’s defenses and response capabilities.
  6. Communicate findings and recommendations. Once the after-action review has been completed, it is important to communicate the findings and recommendations to relevant stakeholders within the organization. This should include a detailed report outlining the vulnerabilities that were identified, as well as specific recommendations for addressing these vulnerabilities.
  7. Regularly review and update red teaming plans. Red teaming operations should not be a one-time event, but rather should be conducted on a regular basis to ensure that an organization’s defenses are continuously tested and improved. It is important to review and update red teaming plans on a regular basis to ensure that they are relevant and effective. By following these best practices, organizations can effectively use red teaming to identify and address vulnerabilities in their systems, processes, and practices. This can help to improve the overall security posture of the organization and better prepare it to defend against potential adversaries.

What happens if a red teaming doesn’t go as planned?

Red teaming is a structured process that is used to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in an organization or system. It is designed to be an adversarial exercise that simulates the actions and objectives of an attacker. It is important to note that red teaming is not intended to be a “perfect” simulation, and it is not uncommon for red teaming exercises to uncover unexpected vulnerabilities or to encounter unforeseen challenges. If a red teaming exercise does not go as planned, it is important for the organization to debrief and analyze what happened, and to use the lessons learned to improve their defenses. This may involve updating procedures, improving training, or making changes to the physical or technical infrastructure. Red teaming exercises are an opportunity for organizations to identify and address their weaknesses before they are exploited by real attackers, and as such, they can be an important tool for improving security and resilience.

What’s the difference between red teaming and penetration tests?

Red teaming and penetration testing are both methods used to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in an organization or system. However, there are some key differences between the two approaches:

  1. Focus: Red teaming is a more comprehensive and holistic approach that aims to simulate the actions and objectives of an attacker. It typically includes elements such as social engineering, physical security testing, and network penetration testing. In contrast, penetration testing is more focused on testing the security of specific systems or assets.
  2. Scope: Red teaming exercises often have a broader scope, covering a wide range of assets, systems, and processes within an organization. They may also include simulated attacks on multiple fronts, such as physical, cyber, and social engineering. In contrast, penetration testing is usually more targeted, focusing on specific systems or assets.
  3. Duration: Red teaming exercises may take place over an extended period of time, allowing the red team to simulate a more realistic and persistent attack. In contrast, penetration testing is typically a shorter-term exercise.
  4. Collaboration: Red teaming exercises often involve close collaboration between the red team and the organization’s security and IT teams. This collaboration can help to improve understanding and communication between the two groups and build trust. In contrast, penetration testing is typically a more isolated exercise, with the tester working independently from the organization’s security and IT teams. Overall, red teaming is a more comprehensive and holistic approach that is designed to simulate the actions and objectives of an attacker, while penetration testing is a more focused and targeted approach that is designed to test the security of specific systems or assets. Both approaches can be valuable tools for improving security and resilience, but they serve different purposes and have different implications for an organization.

Literature

A good read to get the organizational picture on how to build a red team is the book from Joe Vest & James Tubbenrville “Red Team Development and Operations: A practical guide”1

  1. ISBN:9798601431828 ↩︎