Cyber Safety: A Brief Introduction to Red Teaming for High-Security Risk Individuals

Iron Shield Protection, LLC specializes in conducting systematic and uniquely tailored assessments of the risks, threats and vulnerabilities that confront organizations as well as their core security programs – across operations, resources, priorities and assets. We help organizations improve security and safety, capture program efficiencies and develop successful strategies for controlling operational costs without assuming untenable levels of risk. 

According to an Experian Data Breach Industry Forecast (2019), the top data breaches last year included biometric hacking; passcode, facial recognition, and touch ID sensor vulnerabilities; skimming; mobile cyber attacks, Cloud-based cyber attacks; and cybercriminals disguised as gamers. 

With more IoT devices at home and in the workplace, cybersecurity is more important than ever.

Whether SMB or large enterprise, companies can address and patch their vulnerabilities. Not to mention, bolster their cybersecurity efforts thanks to red teaming. Read on to learn what red teaming is and why your business needs it. 

What is a Red Team? 

Red teaming occurs when a bunch of white hat hackers test out your defenses to see if they can break in. 

But, when we say white hat hackers, you may only think red teams try to break in via technology. But that’s just one of the ways. Red teams also try to break in physically and expose potential staffing vulnerabilities. 

In a nutshell, red teams are the good guys posing as the bad guys, trying to figure out how to get into a company so they can identify vulnerabilities and provide red team software and consulting to companies to patch them up. 

Why Do You Need Red Team Cyber Security? 

A common misconception, especially for small businesses, is that you don’t need a red team to spot your company’s vulnerabilities because there are “bigger fish” for hackers and cybercriminals to fry. 

What may surprise you is that this isn’t always the case. According to a 2018 Hiscox Small Business Cyber Risk Report, almost half of small businesses have experienced a cyber attack the year prior. 

A 2018 Score press release states that 43 percent of cyber security attacks are on small businesses. The consensus? Small businesses need red teaming efforts as much as medium-sized companies and large corporations do. 

Why Red Teaming is For the Better

Red teaming addresses one of the main components of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) framework: identifying and patching vulnerabilities. 

In case you don’t know, NIST is a cybersecurity framework and standard highly recommended and, in the case of healthcare companies complying with HIPAA, is required. So, you’ll be doing the recommended. 

Through pen testing and even physically testing office alarms and security systems, red team security will be able to uncover your biggest weakness.

From there, be able to offer cyber solutions, whether that’s quality cyber training for employees or updating and monitoring anti-malware, anti-virus, and other cybersecurity software. 

When Considering Red Team Security, Research Is Key

Not all red teams are one and the same. When looking to hire a third-party red team security organization, always do your research.

See if the company is registered in the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Check client reviews from reputable review sites such as Yelp and Google. Remember, while bad reviews are a red flag, all five-star reviews could be a warning sign too. 

Also, like buying any high-end product or service, shop around and get at least three quotes.

The Takeaway: Thinking About Red Teaming?

Still not sure about what is a red team? Have more questions about red team cyber security? Feel free to contact us.