Our Approach

Definitive Guide to Ransomware

Red Teaming

To defend like professionals, organisations need to think like attackers. Red teaming enables this shift in perspective by simulating real-world attack scenarios to identify critical vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. It’s a proactive, strategic approach to testing and strengthening your security posture — based on how real adversaries operate. 

What is red teaming?

Red teaming is a cybersecurity practice in which ethical hackers simulate real-life attack scenarios to test how well an organization can detect, respond to, and withstand a breach. Inspired by military wargaming, it has evolved into a critical component of modern security strategies. Unlike a traditional penetration test, which often has a defined scope and occurs with the knowledge of the IT team, red teaming is broader and stealthier. The goal isn’t just to find a list of technical flaws, but to emulate how a determined adversary might exploit weaknesses across people, processes, and technology. Crucially, the blue team (defenders) is typically unaware the test is happening, which provides a more authentic picture of response readiness. 

Why is red teaming valuable?

Red teaming goes beyond conventional testing by delivering a comprehensive, real-world stress test of your entire security ecosystem. You could describe it as a rehearsal for the kinds of scenarios your organisation may one day face. Its value lies in the combination of offensive realism and defensive measurement: 
  • Holistic evaluation
    It identifies both technical and human vulnerabilities across systems, personnel, and infrastructure.
  • Incident response testing
    It challenges your blue team to detect, react to, and mitigate threats in real time.
  • Strategic insight
    Findings inform executive-level decisions around security investments, policies, and business continuity planning.
  • Organisational learning
    Red teaming exercises foster a culture of resilience, with both defenders and attackers learning from each other.

Red vs. blue vs. purple teams

Understanding the dynamic between red, blue, and purple teams is key to building a mature security posture: 
  • Red team
    Simulates real-world adversaries by launching covert attacks to expose weaknesses.
  • Blue team
    Represents the internal defenders responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to threats.
  • Purple team
    A collaborative model where red and blue teams work together, sharing insights to improve both offensive tactics and defensive capabilities.

How red teaming works

Red teaming follows a structured methodology based on the kill chain model, mimicking how actual attackers operate. A typical engagement includes: 
  • Reconnaissance
    Gathering intelligence about the target.
  • Initial access
    Breaching the perimeter via phishing, exploiting vulnerabilities, or social engineering.
  • Privilege escalation
    Gaining deeper access within the network.
  • Lateral movement
    Navigating through systems to reach critical assets.
  • Data exfiltration or goal completion
    Stealing data, altering systems, or accessing sensitive environments.
  • Reconnaissance
These simulations are often inspired by current threat intelligence or known tactics used by Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) actors, and customised to mirror the risks most relevant to the target organisation. 

Red teaming in OT environments

Operational Technology (OT) systems control critical infrastructure like energy plants, water systems, and manufacturing facilities. Red teaming in these environments focuses on identifying weaknesses in Industrial Control Systems (ICS), SCADA platforms, and PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers). Due to the interconnected and legacy-heavy nature of OT environments, traditional IT security approaches often fall short. Red teaming in OT not only tests for technical vulnerabilities but also uncovers flaws in physical security, network segmentation, and human processes.

Given the potential for real-world safety impacts, these exercises are both sensitive and vital. 

Continuous Automated Red Teaming (CART)

While traditional red teaming is often periodic, Continuous Automated Red Teaming (CART) introduces a new paradigm. CART uses automation and advanced tooling to simulate attacks on an ongoing basis. This allows organisations to continuously evaluate their readiness and adapt more quickly to emerging threats. CART reflects the reality that cybersecurity isn’t a one-off event. It supports a dynamic defense posture, enabling teams to stay one step ahead in an environment where adversaries never rest. 

Explore our MDR service

Looking for comprehensive cybersecurity solutions tailored to your organisation's needs? Explore our Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services. Our SOC provides scalability, cost-effectiveness, and access to specialised expertise. Our MDR services help organisations detect, analyse, and respond to cyber threats in real time, leveraging advanced threat intelligence and proactive monitoring to identify and mitigate risks like ransomware and cyber espionage. We also assist in navigating cybersecurity regulations such as NIS2, providing visibility into security telemetry and log retention. With an “assume breach” mindset, we help organisations strengthen their security posture and reduce the impact of potential threats.