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.
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.
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:
Each focused red teaming engagement concludes with a comprehensive report, typically including:
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.
The white paper document explores the methodology, testing process, planning, preparation, and expected deliverables.
Over the years, we have seen the most common penetration testing request evolve from a vulnerability assessment to a realistic adversary simulation, closer to the original meaning of the term. At Tenendo, we also try to push for penetration testing as it was meant to be done: with the inclusion of detection and monitoring in the scope, impactful attack scenarios, and realistic approaches. However, we also know that a full-blown red team assessment does not provide sufficient value to justify the cost for a lot of our customers, mostly smaller companies or organizations at an earlier stage of security maturity. This short post outlines our reasoning when proposing alternatives and the types of engagements we do to adapt to the specific customers’ needs and budgets.
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Tenendo proposes alternatives and customized red teaming engagements to fit specific customer needs and budgets, ensuring security maturity alignment.
Article will help to introduce DORA requirements to those who have years of cybersecurity experience but are very new to DORA.
