Connecting the dots between GRC and red teaming

Learn how Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) can influence red teaming strategies.

Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) plays in important role in shaping how organizations approach information security. While red teaming is often seen as an independent function that tests defenses through real-world adversary simulations, it should not operate in isolation. A well-aligned [to organization priorities] red team strategy takes into account the risk landscape, compliance requirements, and governance structures of an organization. This ensures that red team operations are not only realistic but also meaningful to the organization.

One way GRC can influence the red team strategy is by helping to prioritize testing efforts. Every organization has a unique risk profile based on its industry, size, and regulatory obligations. A financial institution, for example, must comply with strict regulations like PCI DSS or SOX, which emphasize protecting sensitive financial data. A red team exercise targeting a random system may not provide much value to the organization, but if it focuses on testing access controls for systems processing financial transactions, it aligns better with business risks. GRC helps red teams focus on areas where a real attack could have the greatest impact.

Follow my journey of 100 Days of Red Team on WhatsApp, Telegram or Discord.

Another way GRC can shape the red team strategy is by ensuring regulatory and legal considerations are addressed in the rules of engagement. Some red team techniques, such as social engineering, require careful planning to avoid legal or ethical issues. For instance, an organization operating under GDPR must be cautious when handling employee or customer data during red team exercises. GRC can help define boundaries for testing while ensuring red team engagements remain compliant with laws and policies.

A practical example of GRC’s influence on red teaming can be seen in healthcare organizations. A hospital’s red team might initially plan to test general IT systems for vulnerabilities. However, if GRC highlights that patient data security is the top risk, the red team may shift its focus to simulating an attack on electronic health records or testing how well ransomware defenses work. This targeted approach ensures that security testing is not just about breaking in but about assessing real-world risks that could impact patient care.

GRC also helps red teams improve their reporting and recommendations. Findings from a red team engagement should not just highlight technical weaknesses but also map back to business risks and compliance gaps. If a red team discovers that an attacker can bypass authentication controls, GRC can help contextualize the impact—such as regulatory fines or reputational damage—making it easier for leadership to act on the findings.

Red Team Notes
GRC provides a structured framework that ensures red team activities are relevant, compliant, and aligned with business risks. By working closely with GRC, red teams can ensure their efforts contribute directly to improving the organization’s overall security posture rather than just identifying weaknesses in isolation.

Follow my journey of 100 Days of Red Team on WhatsApp, Telegram or Discord.