Physical Red Teaming
Physical red teaming tests how security fails in the real world — not how it appears on paper.
Unlike checklist audits or compliance inspections, physical red teaming evaluates people, process, and opportunity under realistic conditions, using authorised adversary simulation to identify where access can be gained and why.
Our physical red teaming engagements are fully scoped, authorised, and evidence-based, designed to improve security outcomes rather than generate theatrics.
What physical red teaming actually tests
A professional physical red team engagement examines how an organisation’s security performs when challenged across multiple layers, including:
Access control systems and procedures
Perimeter and internal security boundaries
Human factors (tailgating, trust, routine)
Insider-assisted access scenarios
Security response and escalation
Gaps between policy and practice
The focus is not on “getting in at all costs”, but on understanding how access becomes possible.
How physical red teaming differs from penetration testing
Physical red teaming is scenario-led and outcome-focused.
Physical penetration testing often tests specific controls
Red teaming tests how controls, people, and processes interact under pressure
This makes red teaming particularly valuable for:
Mature security environments
High-risk or high-value facilities
Organisations where insider risk is a concern
When physical red teaming is appropriate
Organisations typically commission physical red teaming when:
Access control measures have recently changed
Insider threat is a concern
Security incidents or near-misses have occurred
New premises or layouts are being adopted
Executive or asset risk has increased
Assurance beyond compliance is required
If the question is “Would our security stand up to a determined adversary?”, red teaming provides the answer.
How our physical red teaming engagements work
Every engagement follows a controlled, authorised process:
Scoping & authorisation
Clear objectives and boundaries
Legal and organisational approval
Safety and escalation protocols
Threat modelling
Likely adversary profiles
Insider and outsider scenarios
Environmental and operational context
Execution
Realistic, controlled adversary simulation
Evidence capture and documentation
Assessment
How access was achieved or prevented
Where controls failed or succeeded
Human and process contributors
Reporting
Clear, factual findings
Actionable remediation guidance
No sensationalism or exaggeration
Findings are written for security leaders and decision-makers.
What we do not do
To set expectations clearly:
No unauthorised testing
No unsafe or reckless activity
No “stunt-based” demonstrations
No unnecessary disruption to operations
This is professional security assessment, not performance.
Who this service is for
✔ Corporate security and risk teams
✔ Critical infrastructure operators
✔ Government and public sector bodies
✔ Organisations with insider-risk concerns
✔ Facilities protecting sensitive assets or people
Not suitable for:
Curiosity-driven testing
Unauthorised access attempts
Organisations seeking compliance theatre
Relationship to other services
Physical red teaming often complements:
Physical Penetration Testing
Insider Threat Training
Counter-Surveillance Sweeps
OSINT Investigations (pre-engagement context)
Used together, these services provide a holistic view of physical risk.
Related services
You may also want to review:
Discuss a physical red team engagement
If you require an authorised, realistic assessment of physical security resilience, we can discuss scope, controls, and suitability confidentially.
Speak directly with a practitioner. We work only under explicit authorisation and with clear objectives.
If you believe this type of assessment may be appropriate, contact us directly to discuss scope and suitability.
Email: enquiries@cyberdec.co.uk