Red Teaming Services

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What is a red team assessment?

The concept of red teaming security testing originated from the military as an external evaluation of the strengths of its strategies.

It has since been adapted as a cybersecurity measure that works in conjunction with pen testing and ethical hacking. Known as a red team-blue-team simulation, this exercise tests security protocols and the response of those in charge of IT security. During the exercise, there is usually a red team made up of external IT teams, but it can also include internal employees. Red team members pose as malicious hackers and try to breach an organization’s security structure.

A blue team of internal security employees reacts to a red team attack and works to defend your systems. When red and blue teams combine their efforts, they are defined as a purple team. This collaboration is based on a symbiotic relationship where red team activities are used to train blue teams. The advantage of ‘purple teaming’ is that with proper communication, documentation and education, red teams can make sure blue teams remediate vulnerabilities and avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Red team pen testing is a carefully planned activity, although blue teams are not informed before the assessment. The lack of notice is an essential part of the red teaming process that distinguishes it from penetration testing.

Red Teaming Services

Cybersecurity red teaming examines a business's IT infrastructure, looking at items that include:

Physical assets such as business hardware, servers and workstations

Digital assets like company documents, emails and account information

Core business operational processes used to accomplish organizational goals, including sales, marketing and logistics

Technical processes used to create quality products or deliver efficient services including architecture design and verification activities.

Why Mindfire

Why do you need red teaming services?

One of the main reasons organisations need red teaming services is to overcome common errors during the normal penetration testing process. These cognitive errors include confirmation bias and groupthink that impairs the critical thinking abilities of IT security teams.

It has become much harder for organizations to recognise and respond to cyber attacks as hackers now use a slower, more methodical approach when launching an attack. Instead of launching a full-scale attack that is easier to detect, they weasel their way into security gaps, spending a long time collecting information and moving up the security chain. This activity remains unnoticed until it’s too late and crucial information has been exposed.

Although penetration tests can identify loopholes in an organization’s security posture, red teaming is a more comprehensive approach. By following a cyber attacker’s mindset, red team security testing gives your business a realistic view of the scenarios and potential consequences an attack can have.

Mindfire Red Team Penetration Test Methodology

Like all penetration tests, the red team operation follows a specific red teaming methodology. The six stages include:

Reconnaissance

This is the information gathering step where red teaming companies like Mindfire use public tools like Google search, social media pages and company websites to collect information about the organisation. We thoroughly analyze a business's operations, including employees, facilities and security measures. We also look at the technical infrastructure such as API endpoints, open network ports and exposed employee data and credentials.

Determination of Goals & Rules of Engagement

Mindfire red team operations begin with consultations between our infosec teams and your IT heads. During this consultation period, we will agree on the target of red team activities, the testing timetable and the types of cyber-attacks that will be carried out.

These are the goals of the red pen test and may include activities such as physical entry to sensitive business locations or breaching networks and servers. At the end of this step, the client will need to grant a letter of authorisation, allowing Mindfire's red team hackers to conduct these activities.

Planning & Mapping the Red Team Penetration Test

Red teams consider various factors to determine how the actual penetration test will be conducted. These factors include looking at possible social engineering tactics, errors in cloud-based infrastructure, potential vulnerabilities, weak authentication mechanisms and poorly hidden subdomains.

Attack Execution

Using the mapped out targets and exploitation methods, the Mindfire red team will launch an attack on the organisation’s hardware and software. Our aim will be to breach networks, servers or applications and use social engineering techniques to compromise systems. We will also try to bypass physical security measures and gain access to offices and other properties

Once we gain access to your systems, we will try to escalate security privileges, install malicious software and disable network security tools.

Assessment & Reporting

The final step of this process is a red team assessment to determine if the initial agreed-upon goals have been reached. Both teams will collate evidence of the successful breaches and the systems they were able to infiltrate. This information is then used to develop a report that outlines the steps taken during red team penetration testing.

At Mindfire, we ensure to include all relevant details, such as the attack plan, methods of exploitation, and the results of the cyberattack in the final report. The report will also include specific areas where a breach was either successful or unsuccessful. This feedback is used to provide recommendations on how the business can improve the existing security measures.

What to Check

Red Team Best Practices

Stick to set plans and objectives

A red team analysis can escalate into a never-ending assessment because of the numerous scenarios and methodologies available. Make sure to have concrete objectives and measurable goals that blue teams can turn into actionable results.

Use creative infiltration techniques

The same way hackers don’t follow the rules when attacking a system, red teaming companies can use the same level of creativity when conducting a red test. Red team service providers should comply with the agreement signed by the client and also aim to provide comprehensive information to the blue team.

Verify findings

Throughout the red teaming process, providing feedback is probably the most critical aspect. Teams must have effective communication channels and use retrospective assessments to share information and fix security vulnerabilities.

Encourage a learning culture

Hacking tricks are constantly evolving, so a reputable red teaming company will guide how to keep up with the latest tricks.

Get in touch

Protect your business

If you are looking for reliable and efficient solutions to enhance your business operations, Mindfire is the perfect partner for you. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your goals. Whether you need Cyber Security Services, Managed Security Services (MSS), Consulting Services, Cyber Risk Management Services, Cloud Services, Digital Services, or Digital Transformation, our team of experts is here to assist you every step of the way. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us and take your business to the next level with Mindfire.