Lecture Notes on Red Teaming

Introduction

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• Overview of red teaming: simulating adversaries to improve security.

What is Red Teaming?

• Definition: Acting as a villain to find vulnerabilities and exploit them.
• Focus on adversary emulation rather than just hacking.
• Balancing realism with the need to avoid damaging production environments.

Key Components of Red Teaming

• Reconnaissance:

  • Conducting open source intelligence (OSINT).
  • Passive network scanning and investigating social media for clues.
  • Pro Tip: Trello boards with passwords can be a valuable source of information.

• Adversary Emulation:

  • Mimicking tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) of real threat actors.
  • Requires a balance between realistic simulation and operational safety.

• Penetration Testing vs. Red Teaming:

  • Pen testing = checking for vulnerabilities (the locksmith role).
  • Red teaming = simulating actual threat actors (more comprehensive).
  • Common misconception: Red teamers do not merely run standard tools like Nessus.

Major Activities in Red Teaming

• Vulnerability Research:

  • Exploring CVEs and the challenges of finding zero days.
  • Often leads to frustration when vendors do not support security patches.

• Exploit Development:

  • Crafting custom payloads to bypass defenses.
  • Debugging can be time-consuming and unsuccessful.

• Social Engineering:

  • Executing phishing campaigns and other tactics without financial gain.
  • Reality check: Users often fall for scams.

• Physical Red Teaming:

  • Involves breaking into physical spaces to test security controls.
  • Challenges include evading alarms and managing scenarios without legal repercussions.

• Lateral Movement and Privilege Escalation:

  • Techniques for moving across networks and gaining higher access privileges.
  • Common methods like DLL hijacking often blocked by security measures.

Challenges Faced

• Scope Creep:

  • Additional requests that expand the original engagement.

• Defense Evasion:

  • Constantly avoiding detection by AV, EDR, and other security measures.
  • Need for innovative methods to conceal activities.

• Reporting and Communication:

  • Writing reports that are visually appealing and convey findings effectively.
  • Often leads to frustration and misunderstanding from management.

Collaborating with the Blue Team

• Purple Teaming:
  • Working with blue teams to improve overall security posture.
  • In practice, involves reiterating the importance of specific security practices.

Burnout and Industry Realities

• Mental Exhaustion:

  • Switching between offensive and defensive roles can lead to stress.

• Salary Considerations:

  • Red teaming may not always offer the highest compensation compared to other cybersecurity roles.

Conclusion

• Myth of Glamour:

  • Red teaming is often romanticized, but reality involves routine tasks and reporting.
  • The need for continual learning and adaptation in the field.

• Final Thoughts:

  • Red teamers love the chaos and challenge despite the frustrations.
  • Remember: The real adversary can often be found closer to home.

Call to Action

• Explore TriHackMe for further learning opportunities in red teaming and cybersecurity.