Breach and Attack Simulation (BAS)

Breach and Attack Simulation (BAS) solutions represent a new and emerging market that sit alongside Penetration (Pen) Testing and Risk & Vulnerability Assessments.

There is still a bit of confusion in the market with how ‘Pen Testing’ and ‘BAS’ differ, so let’s clarify the key differences:

Breach and Attack Simulation (BAS)

BAS is a comprehensive security control assessment methodology that involves simulating an array of cyberattacks on an organisation’s network and systems.

These simulations (or war games) are designed to closely and safely replicate the tactics, techniques, and procedures employed by real-world threat actors, providing a controlled environment to evaluate the effectiveness of an organisation’s cyber security posture.

Penetration (Pen) Testing

Pen testing is a highly targeted process where security experts simulate cyberattacks against a specific system, network, or application to identify vulnerabilities. This testing approach is far more focused and narrower and typically conducted over a much shorter period of time.

Both methods of testing are conducted by ethical hackers and rely on their unique skills, expertise, creativity, and critical thinking to identify vulnerabilities.