TIBER-EU, Red Teaming, and TLPT: Understanding the Connections
In the realm of cybersecurity, especially within the financial sector, understanding the nuances of various concepts are crucial. TIBER-EU, Red Teaming, and Threat-Led Penetration Testing (TLPT) are key concepts that play distinct yet interconnected roles in strengthening an organisation's security posture.
This article explores each of these concepts and how they interconnect.
What is TIBER-EU?
TIBER stands for Threat Intelligence-Based Ethical Red Teaming. It is a framework initiated by the European Central Bank to enhance the cyber resilience of financial institutions across Europe. TIBER-EU focuses on:
– Threat Intelligence: Leveraging up-to-date threat intelligence to inform the testing process.
– Ethical Red Teaming: Conducting simulated attacks to test the resilience of institutions against sophisticated cyber threats.
– Collaboration: Promoting collaboration between financial institutions, regulators, and cyber threat intelligence providers, such as Advisense.
The main objective of TIBER-EU is to assess and improve the security measures of financial institutions by simulating real-world attacks, ensuring they can withstand advanced and persistent threats. Using the framework, you will get a structured approach to conduct red team tests safely and with maximum return on investment.
There are national variants of the TIBER framework, often maintained by the central banks. For instance, Sweden and Norway’s variants are named TIBER-SE and TIBER-NO, maintained by the central banks in these countries.
DORA mandates to use TIBER as a framework for conducting TLPTs.
Understanding Red Teaming
Red Teaming is a penetration testing methodology where an independent group of ethical hackers simulates the actions of potential adversaries to test the effectiveness of an organisation’s security defenses. Key aspects of Red Teaming include:
– Adversarial Simulation: Emulating tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by real-world attackers.
– Holistic Testing: Evaluating not only technical defenses but also physical security and human factors.
– Continuous Learning: Providing actionable insights and recommendations for improving security measures.
Red Teaming helps organizations identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses that traditional security assessments might miss, ensuring a more robust and comprehensive security posture.
TIBER-EU is a framework to conduct red teaming. In fact, red teaming is one of the phases in a TIBER-EU test. It is of course also possible to conduct red team tests without using the TIBER framework, for instance to scale down internal resource/time usage.
What is TLPT?
Threat-Led Penetration Testing (TLPT) is mandated TIBER/red team testing defined in EU’s new regulation DORA. It is mandatory for all financial entities of a certain size.
In addition to mandating the use of TIBER, DORA also sets requirements on the qualification of testers, reporting to the regulators, and more. You can read more about the requirements here.
Summary
TIBER-EU is a formal framework to conduct red team testing.
Red team testing is testing your organisation’s ability to prevent, detect and respond to real-world cyber attacks
TLPT is DORA’s mandated red team testing, that uses TIBER-EU as a framework and puts additional requirements on how to procure, conduct and report from tests.
Our Expertise
At Advisense, we specialize in providing comprehensive cybersecurity services, including TIBER-EU assessments, Red Teaming, and TLPTs. Our team of ethical hackers and security researchers is well-versed in the latest attack techniques and regulatory requirements, ensuring that your organization receives the best possible protection.
Our services include:
– TIBER-EU Assessments: Conducting thorough TIBER-EU assessments to ensure compliance and enhance your organisation’s resilience.
– Red Teaming: Simulating advanced adversary tactics to identify and address vulnerabilities in your defenses.
– TLPT: Performing targeted penetration tests based on the latest threat intelligence to secure your critical assets, or help you prepare for TLPTs.
We also help clients set up Digital Operational Resilience Testing programs and conduct regular penetration testing.
We are well-connected and recognized in the financial sector in Norway and around Europe for delivering exceptional cybersecurity services. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can help you implement a comprehensive security strategy that includes TIBER-EU, Red Teaming, and TLPT.
