Taking into account all the contingencies applying Because of COVID-19, many companies have changed their work dynamics. In addition, a lot of them went from working in an office to working remotely, a step they never imagined. For others, it’s a transition they had already begun. But for all companies, it was a step they had to take, not a choice. How can you be sure that your security can fight modern-day attackers?
An effective strategy is Red Teaming: simulate being your own enemy and test your defense strategies.
What is Red Teaming?
Red Teaming is the simulation of multi-layered, full-scope attacks. This simulation is designed to measure how well your people and networks resist an attack. It also covers your organization’s physical and digital security applications and controls. Besides, these strategies can help organizations of any size, industry and technical level identify and address latent threats.
A common term for Red Teaming is ethical hacking. This type of Red Teaming involves independent security teams. These teams attack your company and test how well your company would defend itself in the event of an actual attack. A thorough practice of Red Teaming can reveal flaws in your physical and technological environment. Thus, we are talking about your networks, apps, routers, personnel, independent contractors, departments, business partners, etc.
One phrase that describes Red Teaming at it’s core would be: The best defense is a good attack. Applying Red Teaming in your company will help you stay competitive in the digital marketplace. Because it secures your business interests by taking advantage of social engineering. In addition, there are physical, application and network penetration tests that work to strengthen your defenses.
Why is it necessary?
When applying Red Teaming, the selected team implements premeditated attack scenarios. Because of this, possible physical, hardware, software and human vulnerabilities are revealed. In addition, these simulated attacks identify opportunities for attackers and intruders to compromise your company’s systems and networks or enable backdoors for the violation of your data.
According to a report by the InfoSec Institute, 6% to 28% of cyberattacks are supported by an internal worker. This includes current or former employees who are aware of unresolved vulnerabilities. In some cases, these security breaches were planted by themselves.
A good implementation of Red Teaming can have 20% advanced automated penetration. 80% represents manual penetration, with a much deeper knowledge of your defensive assets.
Who needs it?
Ideally and in the current contingency, every company should apply some level of Red Teaming. Even a basic or small internal breach test can reveal many things you didn’t know about your own security. If you have a small or medium-sized business, you may think you are not a prime target for attackers. Yet, in fact, these are the main companies that hackers are attacking right now.
With so many new remote workers, companies of all sizes and individuals are regular victims.
In many cases, attackers don’t even try to steal your confidential information. They may simply try to take over the technologies that have the greatest impact on our lives. For example, they may be looking to access your network to better hide their criminal activities. This way, while they take over another system anywhere in the world, your IP will be tracked by law enforcement. Not all attackers care about your data; it’s your computers they want to infect with malware for their own benefit.
A well-executed network teaming operation considers the scale of your organization along with the threats in your industry. It’s not a question of how big your company is, but in what industry it operates.
What kind of tests apply in Red Teaming?
The most comprehensive Red Teaming covers many aspects of your business:
- Penetration testing for your networks, applications, mobile devices and laptops.
- In-site Social Engineering for phones, email and text applications, chat, etc.
- Physical Intrusion for password selection, video camera evasion, alarms and traps, etc.
Low-scale Red Teaming can cover specific aspects of these scenarios, according to your company needs.
Next steps
Red Teaming isn’t just about finding vulnerabilities in your defenses. It is also about generating strategies to strengthen them in the future, taking into account the tests already carried out. Imagine the application of Red Teaming as the creation of a strategy book; one that is specifically designed to ensure the defense of your physical and digital assets.
An effective strategy does not end with the discovery phase alone. Ideally, designing a second strategy that focuses on vulnerability remediation and re-testing is a priority. In addition, the real results apply after weeks or even months of effort; it’s about reinforcing your initial commitment to implement better remediation controls.
Also, you shouldn’t work directly on a final report as soon as Red Teaming’s implementation is complete. Work with a penetration testing team to provide ongoing support. You must make your company understand the findings, their impact, probability, and level of significance. Only then will you be on your way to vulnerability remediation.
What tools can I use to complement Red Teaming?
Privileged Access Management tools are essential today. Also, they work perfectly with Red Teaming strategies. These tools frame cybersecurity strategies and technologies focused on privileged access control and user permissions. These permissions span multiple accounts, processes, and systems in any IT environment. By checking the appropriate level of access, the tool allows you to condense the attack area of your organization.
This way, it mitigates damage that arises from external attacks by internal misconduct or neglect.
And the best tool that we can offer you in this style is BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access. It is an integrated solution that provides visibility and control over privileged users and accounts. Bringing together the broadest set of security capabilities, BeyondTrust simplifies deployments; reduces costs, improves usability and reduces risks.
If you want to know more about Red Teaming tools, BeyondTrust or your IT environment, contact us. We have a team of experts dedicated to offering you the best tips and tools on the market. Our main priority is the security of your remote assets, mainly during the current contingency.
