Defensive security vs offensive security

This section explains two important concepts within the cybersecurity field, defensive security and offensive security, and their importance for an effective organizational security policy

• Become familiar with defensive security and offensive security approaches, including SIRT/CSIRT (Security Incident Response Team/Computer Security Incident Response Team), SOC (Security Operations Center), red teaming, and ethical hacking.

How red teaming and ethical hacking differ and overlap:

Similarities:

• Both involve authorized attempts to identify vulnerabilities in systems, networks, or organizations.

• Both aim to improve security by exposing weaknesses before malicious actors exploit them.

• Both require technical skills in penetration testing, social engineering, and attack simulations.

Key Differences:

Aspect	Ethical Hacking	Red Teaming
Scope	Often focuses on specific systems or apps.	Broader, simulating real-world adversaries (including physical & social attacks).
Objective	Find and fix vulnerabilities.	Test detection & response capabilities (not just tech flaws).
Duration	Short-term, targeted engagements.	Longer, multi-phase operations (like espionage).
Stealth	May or may not avoid detection.	Often prioritizes stealth to mimic real attackers.
Team Structure	Usually individual testers or small groups.	Larger, multidisciplinary teams (cyber, physical, social).
Reporting	Detailed technical remediation guidance.	Focuses on strategic security gaps & organizational resilience.

When They Overlap:

• A red team can use ethical hacking techniques (e.g., exploiting a server vulnerability).

• Some ethical hackers perform red teaming if the engagement includes advanced adversary simulation.

Analogy:

• Ethical Hacking = A home inspector checking for structural flaws.

• Red Teaming = A burglary drill testing alarms, guards, and response times.

Bottom Line:

Red teaming is a subset of ethical hacking with a broader, adversarial focus. Ethical hacking is more general, while red teaming mimics sophisticated threat actors. Many professionals do both, but not all ethical hackers are red teamers.