What is the difference between red teaming and penetration testing?

Penetration testing focuses on finding vulnerabilities within a defined scope. Red teaming tests detection and response capabilities by simulating real adversaries trying to achieve specific objectives while avoiding detection. Pentesting finds bugs; red teaming tests your security team.

Which should I do first: red team or pentest?

Start with penetration testing. Find and fix your vulnerabilities before testing detection capabilities. Red teaming an organization with unpatched vulnerabilities is wasteful—the red team will succeed too easily and you won't learn much about detection.

How much does red teaming cost compared to pentesting?

Penetration testing typically costs $10,000-$50,000. Red team engagements usually range from $50,000-$200,000+ due to longer duration, more sophisticated techniques, and multi-vector attack simulation including social engineering.

What is purple teaming?

Purple teaming combines red team (attack) and blue team (defense) in a collaborative exercise. Instead of covert testing, both teams work together to improve detection in real-time. It's more cost-effective than pure red teaming and provides immediate knowledge transfer.

Red Team vs Penetration Testing: Which Do You Need?

"Should we get a red team engagement or a penetration test?" It's a common question—and the answer depends on what you're trying to achieve. While both involve offensive security testing, they serve different purposes and deliver different outcomes.

This guide explains the differences between red teaming and penetration testing, when to use each, and how to choose the right approach for your organization's security maturity.

Quick Comparison

Aspect	Penetration Testing	Red Teaming
Primary Goal	Find vulnerabilities	Test detection & response
Scope	Defined systems/apps	Entire organization
Duration	Days to weeks	Weeks to months
Stealth	Not required	Essential (avoid detection)
Blue Team Aware?	Usually yes	Usually no
Techniques	Technical exploitation	Technical + social + physical
Cost	$10k-$50k typical	$50k-$200k+ typical

What Is Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing is a focused security assessment designed to find as many vulnerabilities as possible within a defined scope. The goal is comprehensive vulnerability discovery.

Defined Scope

Tests specific applications, networks, or systems. Clear boundaries and rules of engagement.

Vulnerability Focus

Primary goal is finding security weaknesses. Testers aim for comprehensive coverage.

Time-Bounded

Typically 1-4 weeks. Efficient use of time to maximize findings within budget.

Detailed Reporting

Comprehensive list of vulnerabilities with severity, evidence, and remediation guidance.

What Is Red Teaming?

Red teaming is an adversary simulation that tests your organization's detection and response capabilities. The goal is to achieve specific objectives while avoiding detection.

Objective-Based

Achieve specific goals: access crown jewels, exfiltrate data, compromise executive accounts.

Stealth Required

Testers must avoid triggering alerts. Success means bypassing security controls undetected.

Multi-Vector Attacks

Combines technical exploits, social engineering, and sometimes physical intrusion.

Tests Blue Team

Evaluates SOC effectiveness, incident response, and detection capabilities.

Key Differences Explained

What You're Testing

Pentesting: Tests your systems and applications for vulnerabilities.

Red Teaming: Tests your people, processes, and detection capabilities.

Stealth vs Speed

Pentesting: Testers work efficiently, not stealthily. Being detected doesn't matter.

Red Teaming: Avoiding detection is the point. Triggering alerts means adjusting tactics.

Scope Boundaries

Pentesting: Strict scope. Only test what's defined in the statement of work.

Red Teaming: Organization-wide. Attackers can pivot anywhere to achieve objectives.

Attack Methods

Pentesting: Primarily technical—network, web, API, infrastructure attacks.

Red Teaming: All vectors—phishing, vishing, physical access, social engineering.

When to Use Each

Choose Penetration Testing When:

You need to find and fix vulnerabilities
Compliance requires security testing (, )
Testing new applications before launch
You want comprehensive vulnerability coverage
($10k-$50k range)
You haven't done security testing before

Choose Red Teaming When:

You have a mature security program
You want to test detection and response
Validating SOC/SIEM effectiveness
Board wants to see real attack simulation
Budget allows ($50k-$200k+ range)
You've already addressed known vulns

Maturity Matters

Red teaming before pentesting is like testing your home alarm before fixing the broken locks. Start with penetration testing to find and fix vulnerabilities. Graduate to red teaming once your security posture is mature.

What About Purple Teaming?

Purple teaming combines red team (attack) and blue team (defense) in a collaborative exercise. Instead of the red team operating covertly, both teams work together to improve detection.

Purple Team Benefits

Real-time collaboration between attackers and defenders
Immediate tuning of detection rules
Knowledge transfer to security team
More cost-effective than pure red team

ManticoreAI Penetration Testing

For most organizations, penetration testing delivers the best ROI. ManticoreAI provides comprehensive vulnerability discovery with 48-hour results:

48hResults delivery

CRESTCertified validation

UnlimitedRetests included

Making the Right Choice

The decision framework is straightforward:

Start with pentesting—find and fix your vulnerabilities first
Graduate to red teaming—once your security program is mature
Consider purple teaming—for collaborative improvement
Don't skip steps—red teaming without basic security is wasteful

Start with Penetration Testing

ManticoreAI delivers comprehensive vulnerability discovery in 48 hours. Find and fix your security gaps before testing detection capabilities.