What it examines
Red teaming simulates an adversary working towards a defined objective, such as access to a critical system or a sensitive asset. The exercise follows agreed scenarios and permitted techniques. It records the attack paths taken and the points where the organisation prevented, detected or responded. It tests people, processes and technology together, not only individual weaknesses.
Questions it helps answer
- Could an adversary reach the objectives that matter most to us?
- Which attack paths were possible, and which were stopped?
- Did our detection and response work as we expect?
When it is useful
- Testing whether controls work together, beyond individual systems.
- Assessing security operations and incident response against a realistic scenario.
- Providing evidence for a wider review where operational resilience is in question.
How the engagement is scoped
- Define objectives and permitted scenarios in writing before the exercise.
- Agree operational constraints, escalation contacts and stop conditions.
- Social engineering or physical testing is included only when it has been explicitly agreed and is supported.
- Attack paths and defensive observations are reported without attributing blame.
Typical deliverables
These are typical deliverables. The actual scope and deliverables are agreed for each engagement.
- Summary of scenario and scope.
- Attack-path narrative with supporting evidence.
- Observations about prevention, detection and response.
- Prioritised improvement recommendations.
Relevant assurance context
Technical findings can inform risk treatment, security improvements and assurance evidence. The appropriate assessment depends on your obligations, environment and objectives.
Testing supports a wider assurance programme; it does not establish compliance or certification on its own.