What Is a Red Team?
A Strategic Lens on Security Preparedness
When it comes to protecting people, property, and information, most organizations focus on building defenses. But true security doesn’t stop at preparation—it demands testing. That’s where a Red Team comes in.
A Red Team is a group of independent security professionals who are tasked with simulating real-world threats to test the effectiveness of your organization’s defenses. Think of it as an ethical, controlled adversary: their mission is to think like the attacker so you can better defend against one.
Why Red Teaming Matters
Security protocols often look great on paper. But how do they hold up in practice?
Most systems aren’t defeated by brute force—they’re compromised by overlooked vulnerabilities, human error, or breakdowns in communication. A Red Team helps uncover these blind spots before a bad actor can exploit them.
By using real-world tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), Red Teams replicate what a motivated adversary might do—from attempting unauthorized building access and social engineering to probing network weaknesses or physical security flaws.
What a Red Team Might Test
Gaps in physical access control (doors, cameras, alarms)
Employee response to suspicious behavior or social engineering
Executive protection protocols under duress
Policy awareness and enforcement
Coordination between security teams and front-line staff
Technical vulnerabilities within security infrastructure
Red Team vs. Penetration Test: What’s the Difference?
While the two are often confused, a penetration test (or "pen test") is typically focused on IT systems—testing for exploitable software or network vulnerabilities. A Red Team takes a broader approach.
Red Teams test the entire security ecosystem—people, processes, and physical environments—blending behavioral, digital, and physical infiltration techniques. Their goal isn’t just to find one open door; it’s to test whether you even notice the door was opened at all.
What Happens After a Red Team Assessment?
A good Red Team engagement doesn’t end with a list of problems—it ends with a plan.
At Coursen Security Group, our Red Team assessments include a detailed report outlining:
What was attempted
What succeeded or failed
How your team responded
Strategic recommendations for improvement
We don’t just show you what went wrong—we help you build systems that are smarter, stronger, and ready for the real world.
Is Your Security Strategy Battle-Tested?
In high-stakes environments, assumptions aren’t enough. A Red Team assessment helps transform your security from “best guess” to “battle ready.”
If you’re serious about identifying vulnerabilities and reinforcing resilience, we’re here to help.