QinetiQ’s Red Teaming service emulates determined adversaries using real-world tactics — from phishing and implants to lateral movement and data exfiltration. Unlike traditional penetration testing, red teaming doesn’t just probe for weaknesses; it proves how attackers could exploit them and how your defences, detection and response really hold up under pressure.

  • Realistic adversary simulation across cyber kill chain
  • Open-source intelligence (OSINT), spear-phishing, and covert network implants
  • Objective-driven simulation to test lateral movement and exfiltration
  • End-to-end attack paths tested, from foothold to exfiltration
  • Actionable intelligence to strengthen detection and response
  • Independent assurance trusted by government, CNI and high-assurance enterprises

Explore how Red Teaming connects with our Cyber Incident Preparedness

See also
Go beyond penetration testing. Find out what a real breach would look like.

Penetration testing shows you where vulnerabilities exist. Red teaming shows what an attacker could do with them. QinetiQ’s Red Team Cyber Attack Simulation emulates determined adversaries using real-world tactics — OSINT, spear-phishing, covert network implants, lateral movement, privilege escalation and exfiltration — to stress-test technology, people, processes and decision-making under fire.

Our adversary-simulation style prioritises achieving mission objectives quickly, rather than mimicking stealth or attacker identity — exposing the real impact and response gaps that matter. This objective-driven approach challenges the conventional penetration-testing paradigm by proving end-to-end attack paths rather than simply cataloguing vulnerabilities.

Building on two decades of expertise in penetration testing, threat intelligence and adversary simulation, we replicate advanced attack scenarios appropriate for high-assurance environments. Findings are delivered as board-ready, actionable intelligence that strengthens detection, response and business decision-making.

What to expect
  • Authentic adversary behaviour — OSINT, spear-phishing campaigns and covert implants
  • Full kill-chain testing — from initial compromise through lateral movement to exfiltration
  • Detection and response evaluation — how fast can your SOC and responders act?
  • Board-ready reporting — intelligence that drives strategic improvements, not just a list of issues
  • A safe, controlled exercise environment coordinated with your team

Know what a real attack would look like — and prove you can withstand it.

Red teaming in action

QinetiQ threat actors share real-world insights from advanced attack simulations — turning breaches into lessons that strengthen resilience.