Cyber criminals rely on a range of advanced techniques to break through organizational defenses. While their methods are ever-evolving, organizations also have many tools for combating cyber attacks. Two of the most common tools are breach and attack simulations (BAS) and red teaming. 

While both methods enhance cyber security readiness, they differ in their execution, scope, and effectiveness. Understanding the differences between BAS and red teaming is crucial for organizations looking to build a robust cybersecurity strategy. 

In this post, we’ll explore how each approach works, their key differences, and how combining both can provide the best defense against evolving cyber threats.

What is Breach and Attack Simulation?

BAS is an ongoing cyber security strategy that continuously tests an organization's security posture by simulating real-world cyber threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities. Unlike penetration testing or red teaming, which may happen periodically, BAS solutions provide automated, ongoing security testing to help organizations identify and remediate weaknesses in their defenses. 

Not only that, but breach and attack simulations also evaluate the effectiveness of an organization’s security controls to find areas for improvement. BAS is most commonly used to identify misconfigurations that criminals could exploit to gain unauthorized access. 

Key Components of BAS

Breach and Attack Simulation (BAS) platforms have become essential tools in modern cybersecurity strategies, helping organizations proactively assess and strengthen their security postures. 

Several key components contribute to the effectiveness of BAS solutions: 

• Attack simulation engine - Emulates real-world cyberattacks using known tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to test security defenses.
• Scenario library & playbooks - A collection of predefined attack scenarios that mimic different threat actors, malware behaviors, and attack chains.
• Security control validation - Assesses the effectiveness of existing security controls (e.g., firewalls, EDR, SIEM) by testing their ability to detect and respond to simulated attacks.
• Automated & continuous testing - Enables scheduled or continuous attack simulations to ensure security defenses remain effective over time.
• Data collection & analytics -  Captures insights from attack simulations, providing detailed logs and analytics to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
• Risk & impact assessment - Evaluates the potential impact of identified vulnerabilities and prioritizes remediation efforts based on risk scoring.
• Customized attack scenarios - Allows organizations to tailor simulations to specific threats, environments, or compliance requirements.
• Reporting & remediation guidance - Generates actionable reports with findings, detection gaps, and recommendations to improve security posture.

How Does Red Teaming Work?

Red teaming is an offensive security exercise where a team of ethical hackers simulates real-world cyberattacks to test an organization's defenses, detection capabilities, and response mechanisms. 

Unlike traditional penetration testing, which focuses on finding vulnerabilities in a specific system, red teaming takes a holistic approach by mimicking the strategies and persistence of actual threat actors.

While BAS focuses primarily on continuously testing systems for misconfigurations, red teaming is a long-term engagement that lasts several months. It doesn’t look for just one type of issue, but tests an organization’s entire security posture during the exercise. 

Comparing BAS vs Red Teaming

Both breach and attack simulation and red teaming are cyber security testing strategies designed to evaluate an organization's defenses. However, there are some key differences. BAS relies heavily on automated AI tools to conduct its tests, while ethical hackers typically conduct most red teaming exercises. 

Most traditional red teaming exercises are done manually, while BAS is executed continuously by automation. However, continuous Automated Red Teaming (CART) leverages automation solutions and operates 24/7, enabling non-stop, real-time attack simulations and continuous validation of security controls.   

Unlike traditional red teaming, which has defined start and stop dates, BAS has no set end date. Because it’s automated and run by AI models, BAS uses predetermined tactics, techniques, and procedures. Ethical hackers are in charge of red teaming, which gives them the freedom to be more creative and think outside the box, just as a real hacker would. 

The upside to BAS is that it’s incredibly scalable and scans continuously for potential weaknesses. However, it has clear downsides, including a lack of resourcefulness, which could leave glaring security gaps. 

Red teaming tests all people, processes, and technologies within an organization. Since social engineering attacks account for the bulk of cyber security threats, red teaming is often the better choice because it assesses employees’ cyber readiness in addition to the organization’s IT defenses. 

The table below compares BAS and red teaming across their objectives, scope, and other factors. 

BAS vs. Red Teaming for AI Model Security Testing

Breach and attack simulation and red teaming both play critical roles in securing AI-driven systems, but they serve different purposes and offer distinct benefits. BAS is an automated, continuous security validation tool that helps organizations test the infrastructure around AI models, such as APIs, authentication systems, and cloud environments. 

It helps identify vulnerabilities in AI-powered applications, API endpoints, and identity management systems—ensuring that security defenses remain resilient against evolving threats.

AI red teaming, on the other hand, is a manual, human-driven approach focused on uncovering deep-seated weaknesses within AI models themselves. Instead of testing external security controls, red teams simulate real-world adversarial attacks to manipulate AI decision-making, expose biases, and test model robustness against evasion techniques, adversarial inputs, and data poisoning.

This method requires skilled AI security experts who can craft custom attack strategies tailored to the specific AI system being tested.

Ultimately, organizations benefit most by combining both approaches—using BAS for ongoing security validation and red teaming for in-depth adversarial testing, ensuring AI systems remain both secure and resilient against sophisticated attacks.

The Best of Both Worlds for Maximum Security

Both breach and attack simulations and red teaming have their pros and cons. However, red teaming edges out BAS because it supports out-of-the-box thinking that more closely mimics real-world adversaries. 

Fortunately, organizations don’t have to choose: it’s possible to combine both BAS and red teaming to enhance cyber security at scale. Use BAS to continuously monitor for security gaps and periodically conduct red team exercises to put your defenses to the test. 

While red teaming automation is still in its infancy, the technology is a game-changer for organizations—especially those with AI models. Leverage Mindgard to stress-test your AI models and ensure a secure, bias-free user experience. Schedule your Mindgard demo now. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between breach and attack simulation (BAS) and red teaming?

BAS is an automated testing tool that continuously evaluates an organization's security controls. Red teaming is a manual, real-world attack simulation conducted by ethical hackers to test an organization’s overall defense, including its people, processes, and technology.

Is BAS a replacement for red teaming?

No. BAS and red teaming serve different purposes. BAS is best for ongoing security validation and automated testing, while red teaming provides a realistic, adversary-driven attack simulation to test an organization's response to cyber threats. Using both together strengthens an organization’s cyber security posture.

Which one is more cost-effective: BAS or red teaming?

BAS is generally more cost-effective because it’s automated, continuous, and scalable. Red teaming, on the other hand, is more expensive because of the expertise, time, and resources required for human-driven simulations. However, investing in both BAS and red teaming ensures a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that balances cost and threat preparedness.