Enhancing Cybersecurity with Breach and Attack Simulation Techniques

A 2024 survey revealed that almost nine in ten organizations in the US were at risk of a material cyberattack in the following 12 months, according to their chief information security officers (CISOs). For most organizations, that first point of entry is an email inbox—phishing, malware, and now QR-based quishing attacks are evolving faster than filters can catch them.

While most organizations have security defenses in place, if you test these controls infrequently, you could be unaware of potential weaknesses. This is where breach and attack simulation comes in, working continuously to identify threats and vulnerabilities in your systems.

So, why might breach and attack simulation be the missing link? Let’s find out how this type of testing boosts your cyber defenses to minimize the risk of a successful attack.

What is Breach and Attack Simulation?

Breach and attack simulation (BAS) is a type of security testing that simulates cyberattacks on organizations. Automated tools run simulations of real-world cyber threats, imitating the tactics and techniques favored by real cybercriminals. 

BAS testing identifies vulnerabilities and assesses the efficacy of existing security defenses and responses. It reveals how an attacker would breach the organization’s systems and provides actionable suggestions for improving security.

Unlike traditional forms of testing, BAS runs continuously and delivers real-time results. This proactive approach enables you to act fast and stay one step ahead of the cybercriminals.

How Does BAS Testing Work?

BAS tools send virtual “agents” into your network, where they try to bypass security measures and breach the systems. You can run tests on email systems, web applications, and cloud infrastructure, simulating attacks from both external and internal sources.

The simulations will check the security measures you have in place, such as next-generation firewalls, Intrusion detection and prevention systems, and anti-virus or anti-malware software. It can assess endpoint detection, response, and data leakage prevention.

Email remains the most common entry point for cyberattacks. Breach and attack simulation can assess your organization’s email defenses by mimicking real phishing and quishing campaigns, testing everything from spam filters to user awareness. Some common ways are:

• Phishing: Attackers trick victims into providing sensitive information online.
• Ransomware: Attackers introduce malware that locks your systems and demands a ransom to unlock them.
• Man-in-the-Middle attacks: Attackers intercept communications between two parties in order to steal information.
• Lateral movement attacks: Attackers move from an entry point to access the rest of your network.
• Data exfiltration: Attackers transfer data out of your devices or systems.
• SQL injection: Attackers inject malicious SQL code into an application to steal or modify data.

What Are the Benefits of Breach and Attack Simulation?

The digital revolution, including the growth of cloud computing and IoT, has created an ever-expanding attack surface waiting to be exploited by threat actors. Here’s why your organization needs breach and attack simulation.

Provides Constant Visibility

As we previously stated, BAS is better than other types of security tests, like red teaming and malware testing. Because these ways are more expensive and cause more trouble, the tests are only done a few times a year. In other words, they can't provide a complete picture of your security gaps.

However, breach and attack simulation lets you see everything at all times, so you can find weak spots and fix them quickly, before hackers can strike. You can do the tests whenever you want because it is automated.

Validates Security Controls

BAS testing assesses the efficacy of your security defenses, identifying those that are effective and those that require attention.  In the event of an attack, it may be necessary to evaluate network segmentation, access controls, and encryption standards for data transmission, as well as recovery processes.

You could also evaluate the security controls in your supply chain by simulating assaults on third-party connectivity that involve your suppliers or logistics partners.

Handles Sophisticated Threats

By simulating various forms of cyberattacks, breach and attack simulation helps you to guard against increasingly sophisticated and complex threats. 

For example, we’re seeing a rise in “quishing,” where attackers use QR codes in phishing emails because they’re harder for automated systems to detect.

BAS tools are able to check for potential attacks that could bypass traditional security measures and detection methods, giving you a chance to prepare.

Delivers Actionable Insights

As well as pointing out the vulnerabilities it finds, BAS solutions provide comprehensive reports with actionable steps for preventing or mitigating cyberattacks. You’ll receive tailored recommendations for your organization, including strategies to apply immediately while the security team works on building and deploying long-term solutions.

Improves Incident Response Readiness

Running breach and attack simulations allows your organization to practice and refine its responses to cyber incidents. You can use the tests and their results as an opportunity to improve planning and coordination. 

Your teams will develop experience in identifying threats and reacting quickly, learning how to make smart decisions under pressure. 

Saves Time and Money

By 2028, the cost of cybercrime in the US is expected to reach $1.82 trillion. A proactive approach to security enables earlier detection of risks, which can save you from the high cost (and reputational damage) of a breach or attack and the subsequent recovery.

BAS also helps you to prioritize risks by showing you the true impact of every potential incident. This means you won’t waste time and money on mitigating threats that are unlikely to happen. 

Automation also creates savings by increasing efficiency, delivering results with fewer resources.

Ensures Regulatory Compliance

Testing your systems and processes for weaknesses also enables you to maintain compliance with laws, regulations, and standards for data security and privacy. 

Since you’re continuously validating and improving cybersecurity measures, it’s easier to stay up to date with evolving regulations. Plus, you’ll always be ready for a security audit. 

How to Implement BAS Testing

Wondering how to go about implementing a breach and attack simulation solution? Here are the steps to follow:

Set Clear Security Objectives

Although it’s important to assess every area of your cyber systems, you should take a strategic approach to BAS and determine what you want to achieve from the outset. Think about specific risks for your organization or industry, and align your objectives with these. 

For example, if you rely heavily on marketing emails, you may prioritize email security to guard against phishing.

Create a Baseline Model

It’s good practice to set up a baseline model that reflects the security controls you already have in place. Without a record of the current architecture, you’ll have nothing to measure against when you make improvements. Include things like the configuration of your firewalls and intrusion detection system.

Select the Right BAS Tools

Your BAS tools should be simple to use and easy to integrate with your existing security infrastructure. They should be able to simulate a wide range of threat types and include pre-built attack scenarios, but also enable customized simulations. 

Choose a BAS solution that supports industry frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK (a repository of information about real-world attacks).

Simulate Attacks and Evaluate Response

Now, you can carry out the simulations, including all the types of attack that might feasibly apply to your company. Identify how your security controls perform in each scenario, evaluating the speed of detection and response. 

Which of your security measures allowed the attackers in, and which were successful in deterring them?

Generate Reports

Thanks to real-time and customizable reporting, you can dive into the full details of how your defenses are working. BAS reports identify vulnerabilities and provide actionable suggestions for improvements. 

For example, if your employees were unable to recognize simulated phishing attempts, the report would recommend further training.

Make Improvements

Use the results of the testing to make adjustments to your security controls. In the next run of simulations, you should be able to see an improvement. 

Keep your simulation scenarios updated to reflect the latest threats, and apply everything you’ve learned to your overall cybersecurity risk management plan.

Challenges and Tips for BAS Testing

Simulating breaches and attacks isn’t without its challenges, but you can overcome these with the right tools, personnel, and planning.

• BAS automation reduces time and helps you cut costs compared to other methods, such as red teaming. Nonetheless, it remains essential to have skilled personnel for the integration and deployment of the tools, as well as for analyzing the results. 

Smaller organizations without an in-house cybersecurity team may find it harder to achieve this, but it’s worthwhile if it prevents a catastrophic incident.

• Getting the setup right is crucial, as improper design or ineffective management of the simulations can disrupt your business operations and lead to inaccurate results.  This may lead to additional security issues.
• As threats and technologies continue to evolve, it is essential to put in the effort to ensure that your tools and scenarios remain current. Your simulations will not provide a complete narrative otherwise. Staying compliant with relevant security regulations is essential.

Final Thoughts: Benefits of Breach and Attack Simulation

Human error, particularly when communicating over email, remains a cybercriminal's greatest weakness. From phishing to quishing, the inbox remains the most exploited doorway into your organization.

Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities with minimal effort; they require merely a single overlooked email, an inadvertent click, or a fleeting instance of human oversight. Email remains the most reliable access point for attackers. Breach and attack simulation alters the dynamics by replicating actual threats throughout your systems, including the inbox.

This approach reveals the potential strategies an attacker might employ and evaluates the effectiveness of your defenses under simulated stress, before any actual threats. Through continuous simulation, vulnerabilities are not only identified; strategies are developed to mitigate them, enhance response capabilities, and transform significant risks into robust defenses.

In the current threat environment, making assumptions poses significant risks. Breach and attack simulation transforms your cybersecurity posture from a state of assumption to one of certainty.