Focused Red Teaming is a strategic approach to cybersecurity testing that simulates realistic cyberattacks against an organisation’s infrastructure with clearly defined objectives. Unlike broad, exploratory red team engagements, focused red teaming is tailored to evaluate specific elements of a target company’s security posture.

Objective-Driven Simulations

Tenendo conducts both external and internal focused red team exercises, designed around pre-established goals relevant to the nature of the organisation’s operations. These engagements aim to validate detection, response, and protection mechanisms against sophisticated adversaries.

Each simulation adheres to the Tenendo Penetration Testing Methodology, aligning with recognised industry standards to ensure credible and actionable outcomes.

Adaptive Attack Scenarios

Based on industry expertise and evolving threat landscapes, Tenendo designs realistic and relevant attack scenarios. However, if needed, bespoke attack simulations can be developed to test specific security aspects. For instance, during due diligence or merger and acquisition processes, the red team can concentrate on a single attack phase such as initial access.

To maximize value and minimize disruption, attack stages may be broken down into modular engagements, conducted independently or concurrently. Examples of segmented phases include:

• Cloud environment post-exploitation
• Gaining initial access
• Internal on-premise post-exploitation

Deliverables

Each focused red teaming engagement concludes with a comprehensive report, typically including:

• Strategic and technical recommendations
• An executive summary tailored for leadership
• Detailed descriptions of attack scenarios
• Custom tools and techniques used
• A chronological timeline of attack activities
• Discovered vulnerabilities, both procedural and technical

Assumptions for Focused Red Teaming

This type of engagement is most effective when the target organization meets several baseline criteria:

Complex infrastructure: A broad and intricate digital ecosystem is present, warranting a multifaceted and robust testing approach.

Cybersecurity maturity: There are existing detection and monitoring systems, alongside defined governance processes.

Proven security posture: The organization has a history of vulnerability assessments and penetration testing, making red teaming a more suitable choice for deeper insight.

Operational readiness: The team is familiar with red teaming and can facilitate internal or external simulations without impacting regular business operations.

Read more in “Custom Approaches for Different Maturity Levels in Cybersecurity” article.