A red team simulates real cyberattacks to uncover weaknesses in a company’s defense and improve its overall security posture.

What is red team?

Red Team is a group of cybersecurity professionals who simulate real-world attacks on an organization’s systems, infrastructure, and processes. Their goal is not to cause harm, but to discover vulnerabilities before malicious actors do. Red teams think like hackers—they attempt to breach systems, bypass defenses, manipulate people, and access sensitive data using tactics that mimic real threats.

What red teaming appears in practice

Examples of common red team scenarios:

• Attempting to breach the corporate network through a vulnerable web interface
• Simulating phishing emails to employees to capture login credentials
• Testing physical security by trying to enter offices with fake IDs
• Exploiting a weak admin password to gain privileged access
• Creating a fake Wi-Fi hotspot near the company to intercept employee traffic

These exercises expose the company’s true weak points—not only in IT systems, but in human behavior, internal processes, and security awareness. The result is a detailed report outlining vulnerabilities and actionable recommendations.

A red team vs. penetration test vs. blue team – What’s the difference?

• Red team vs. penetration test
  Penetration testing targets specific technical vulnerabilities with a defined scope. Red teaming evaluates overall resilience—without predefined boundaries.
• Red team vs. Blue team
  The Blue Team is the defensive side—responsible for detection, protection, and response. Red and Blue teams often work together during exercises to improve response capabilities.
• Red team vs. security audit
  An audit checks if policies exist and are followed. A red team tests if those policies actually work when faced with a real threat.

These distinctions matter—red teaming is not just testing, it’s a full-scale simulation of real-time attacks.

How to use red teaming in your company

Recommended steps:

• Assess whether you have the internal capacity or need a trusted partner to run red team exercises
• Define the goals and scope—e.g., protecting sensitive data or testing resistance to social engineering
• Get executive approval and define clear “rules of engagement”
• Involve the blue team or security monitoring team—check if the attack is detected and properly addressed
• Analyze the results and implement the recommended improvements
• Repeat red teaming regularly—threats evolve constantly

Many companies invest in security technologies but don’t verify whether they work against real-world attacks. A red team lets you see your security through an attacker’s eyes—exactly what’s needed if you’re serious about protecting your systems and data.