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Cyberattacks are increasingly destructive, targeting not only data and systems but also the connectivity infrastructure that powers modern enterprises.
Companies must adopt a proactive and adversarial security strategy to stay ahead of malicious actors. To borrow a common sports adage, “the best defense is a good offense.”
This is where a connectivity red team comes into play. They act as ethical hackers to expose vulnerabilities in your network infrastructure before real attackers exploit them.
Read on to discover everything an enterprise needs to know about red teaming: what it is, why it’s essential to security operations, and the signs you’re ready for it.
What is a connectivity ‘red team’?
A connectivity red team is a group of skilled security professionals who simulate real-world cyberattacks on an enterprise’s network infrastructure.
They act as ethical hackers, employing the same tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) as bad actors to find and exploit vulnerabilities in the organization's connectivity framework.
The goal is to proactively uncover weaknesses before they are exploited by real attackers, allowing the organization to strengthen its security posture.
What are the benefits of deploying a red team?
A red team uncovers security gaps traditionally missed by other protocols, such as vulnerability assessments and penetration testing. This proactive approach shows how a network responds to a specific threat so enterprises can understand their security structure from an attacker’s perspective.
IBM Security’s VP of Product and Hacker Ops Center explains:
“When you have a red team activity, you get to see the feedback loop of how far an attacker is going to get in your network before it starts triggering some of your defenses.”
Red team exercises empower IT professionals to make informed decisions about security investments, prioritize remediation efforts, and raise security awareness across the organization.
By experiencing simulated attacks, companies test and refine their incident response in preparation for minimizing the impact when an actual breach occurs.
Examples of red team activities
Connectivity red teams employ a variety of tactics to test an organization's defenses. Some common activities include:
- Attempting to gain unauthorized access to specific systems or data sets
- Manipulating individuals into sharing sensitive information or performing compromising security actions
- Gathering information about an organization's network infrastructure to identify potential targets
- Creating custom tools and techniques to exploit specific vulnerabilities
Regardless of how the red team determines the security gap, it’s a critical lesson for the network security team. There is no such thing as an impenetrable system, so one should never expect to ‘pass’ a red team exercise.
Signs your enterprise needs a connectivity red team
Every organization benefits from a red team assessment. However, specific scenarios indicate a more pressing need.
1. Increase in security incidents
If your enterprise is experiencing a pattern of successful cyberattacks or data breaches, it indicates that existing security measures are not adequately protecting critical assets.
A red team will find the vulnerabilities that attackers exploit and recommend strengthening the network’s defenses.
2. Decreased confidence in security posture
A red team assessment provides valuable insights and validation when there’s uncertainty about the efficacy of current security controls, such as intrusion detection. Red team simulations reveal whether or not systems appropriately monitor and notify of active threats.
3. Upcoming compliance audits
Many industries have strict regulatory requirements regarding cybersecurity. Red team assessments help organizations demonstrate compliance and avoid costly penalties.
4. Deployment of new critical systems
Before launching new critical systems or applications, a red team assessment ensures they're secure.
5. Limited internal IT resources
A red team delivers the specialized skills needed when the enterprise lacks the in-house expertise or resources to conduct thorough security assessments.
6. Mergers and acquisitions
When merging with or acquiring another company, you inherit their infrastructure and potential security vulnerabilities. A red team assesses the new environment and reveals any risks to address for a secure integration.
7. Unmanaged rogue IT activities
Employees often adopt third-party applications and services without IT oversight, creating potential vulnerabilities for attackers to exploit. A red team exercise motivates employees to become more vigilant and equipped to identify and report suspicious activity.
8. Desire to improve security awareness and response
Red teams create valuable training opportunities for your security team and raise awareness across the organization. Their efforts lead to improved incident response capabilities and foster a security-conscious culture.
How to assess a red team for your enterprise
When selecting a red team for your enterprise, it's essential to consider their experience and expertise. Look for professionals with a history of success and experience in your industry.
Their methodology and approach should align with your organization's goals and risk tolerance. Clear and actionable reporting is crucial, enabling you to understand the findings and prioritize remediation activities.
Confidentiality and trust are paramount since the red team will access sensitive information. The enterprise’s legal department needs to sign off on any privacy and non-disclosure contract language.
Red team exercises are high-budget expenditures. While cost is a consideration, focus on the return these services deliver through improved security and reduced risk.
Conclusion: Rely on connectivity experts for red teams
A connectivity red team is a powerful tool for strengthening an enterprise's security posture. By proactively identifying and addressing exploitable areas, red teams help organizations stay ahead of bad actors. They are useful for a wide range of scenarios—enterprises contact red team services during mergers and acquisitions, compliance audits, increased breaches, and any other time security takes center stage.
When selecting a red team, choose a partner with the experience and commitment to deliver results. Deploying this security service is an investment in your organization's long-term resilience.
The next attack is only one phishing scam or unpatched vulnerability away. Contact Advantage's trusted connectivity and security experts to protect your critical assets now.