What Are The Different Types of Offensive Security?

To put it simply, offensive security is the process of simulating attacks against an organization’s defences to find any vulnerabilities in information security protocols that could be exploited. An offensive security-certified professional or security engineer seeks to identify weaknesses before malevolent actors may take advantage of them and implement the appropriate countermeasures to strengthen security. Professionals in offensive security employ a proactive strategy in cybersecurity that supplements defensive tools like intrusion detection systems, firewalls, and antivirus programs.

Types of Offensive Security

1. Attack Surface Management

Defining and cataloguing an organization’s IT footprint, followed by a quick assessment and ranking of the risks arising from these assets, is known as Attack Surface Management (ASM). Since most organizations accumulate assets, shadow IT can frequently expand. To identify every asset and address its dangers, ASM combines sophisticated scanning tools with recon expertise.

2. Blue Teaming

Blue teams serve as red teams’ counterpoints, playing defence to thwart attacks during security drills. Their primary focus is creating a cyber threat model, averting incidents, responding to them, and thwarting red team attacks.

3. Managed Bug Bounty Programs

Initiatives known as “bug bounty programs” pay hackers to test digital assets and identify vulnerabilities in exchange for money. They provide customers with a definite return on investment by tying these benefits to the severity of the vulnerabilities they get while also leveraging hackers’ aggressive tendencies to enhance security.

4. Penetration Testing

Penetration testing, often known as penetration testing, is a process by which professionals identify weaknesses in an organization’s systems and networks by simulating an attack. This is frequently done in accordance with established ethical hacking practices. Additionally, for many penetration test alternatives, you have the option of more advanced pen testing provided as penetration testing as a service (PTaaS).

5. Purple Teaming

Red teaming and blue teaming are combined to form purple teams, which prioritize communication and dismantle organizational divisions while tackling security issues. Their main objective is facilitating cooperation between the two groups and combining their knowledge and expertise.

6. Red Teaming

The Red teams use attackers to identify and exploit security flaws and vulnerabilities, which majorly influence cybersecurity. Red teaming is more adaptable and tests people and processes in addition to technology. In contrast, pen testing usually occurs for a predetermined time and primarily focuses on following compliance standards and methodology.

7. Social Engineering

Social engineering involves deceiving individuals or groups within an organization to obtain confidential data. It can target the entire gamut of human emotions and prejudices. Phishing, or sending texts or emails purporting to be from a reliable source, is one strategy it can use. Another is playing sounds of babies sobbing to emotionally coerce workers into disclosing sensitive information.

Vulnerability Scanning and Management

Vulnerability management involves using automated technologies to search an organization’s systems and networks for vulnerabilities. Although vulnerability assessments and scans can be helpful tools in the offensive security toolbox, they require additional expert input to analyze results and fix flaws.