Insights
The difference between a good security posture and a great one is measured not just in technology, but in teamwork. Over a focused four-to-six-week sprint, a leading enterprise embarked on a transformative journey, Project Offensive Security, that would redefine how mid-managers and their teams approach cyber defence.
The Challenge. Simulating Real-World Threats
With 60 systems in scope and a mandate to uncover the unknown, the project set out to simulate real-world attacks. The goal? To expose vulnerabilities that traditional audits might miss and to foster a culture where defensive and offensive strategies work hand-in-hand. The numbers were sobering, 30 critical and over 50 high-risk vulnerabilities were identified, underscoring the urgency for change.
The Approach, Red, Blue, and Purple Teams Unite
The project leveraged cutting-edge tools, Cobalt Strike, Metasploit, Nmap for red teaming, and the MITRE ATT&CK Framework, SIEM platforms like Splunk and QRadar for purple teaming.
But technology was only half the story. Collaboration platforms such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Jira became the backbone of cross-team communication, ensuring that insights flowed freely and actions were coordinated.
What set this initiative apart was its commitment to the “purple team” philosophy, blending the offensive prowess of the red team with the defensive vigilance of the blue team. Through collaborative sessions, vulnerabilities were not just catalogued, they were dissected, discussed, and transformed into actionable defensive strategies.
The Results, Measurable Impact, Lasting Change
The outcomes speak volumes. Incident response times were slashed by 50%, thanks to improved coordination and shared understanding. Security awareness soared, with targeted training sessions equipping internal teams to recognise and counter sophisticated attack techniques. Most importantly, 15 new security controls were implemented, closing critical gaps and strengthening the organisation’s overall defences.
Compliance wasn’t left behind. By aligning with industry standards such as NIST and ISO 27001, the project supported ongoing regulatory efforts, giving managers peace of mind that their teams were not just secure, but also audit-ready.
Why This Matters
For mid-level managers, the lessons are clear, cybersecurity is a ‘team sport’. The most effective defences arise when silos are broken down and every stakeholder, from red to blue to purple, has a seat at the table. Investing in collaborative tools, fostering open dialogue, and prioritising continuous training are not just best practices, they’re imperatives for the modern enterprise.
As you reflect on this Customer Story, consider how your own teams might benefit from a similar approach. The satisfaction comes not just from ticking compliance boxes, but from knowing you’ve built a culture of resilience, one where every manager, every analyst, and every engineer is empowered to defend, detect, and respond.
Ready to take your security posture to the next level?
Start by bringing your teams together. The results might just surprise you.
This has been a thought leadership piece on Northwick Cybersecurity’s advisory in how Penetration Assessment Tests can not just identify holes but in the resolution activities, bring teams together to become the first line of defence against cyber attacks (www.northwickcyber.com).
If you have a need for Cybersecurity Support and/or Advice then please reach out to us by dropping us a message by visiting – Contact – Northwick Cybersecurity
