Test Like an Attacker, Not an Auditor
“Through 2028, validation of threat exposures by implementing or assessments with security controls deployed will be an accepted alternative to penetration testing requirements in regulatory frameworks.”
Picture an attacker methodically probing your defenses day after day. They’re not concerned about your system stability, business hours, or that carefully scheduled penetration testing window you have planned for next quarter. While you’re running occasional security checks, they’re testing every possible entry point 24/7. This fundamental mismatch between how we test and how we’re attacked has created a dangerous gap in how organizations validate their security controls.
Automated Penetration Testing Isn’t Enough
Let’s be honest – automated penetration testing, despite its widespread adoption, comes with some serious limitations. Think about it: we’re trying to emulate real attackers while implementing rate limiting and safety controls to prevent system disruption. Real attackers don’t play by these rules. They’ll happily flood your systems, use denial-of-service attacks as cover, and target your crown jewels without a second thought about operational impact.
Sure, automated pen testing is great for checking compliance boxes and finding technical vulnerabilities. But if we’re trying to truly understand our security posture? It’s like checking your home’s locks once a quarter and calling it a complete security system. And the grand irony is if you try to check your security more and probe deeper, you incur more risk. Is emulation the only way? No. It just can’t be.
Breach and Attack Simulation Is The Future
This is where BAS comes in, and it’s not just another security buzzword. Gartner predicts that “Through 2028, validation of threat exposures by implementing or assessments with security controls deployed will be an accepted alternative to penetration testing requirements in regulatory frameworks.” But why?
BAS takes a fundamentally different approach to security validation. Instead of just poking holes in your perimeter, it orchestrates sophisticated attack scenarios through simulation – meaning it mimics attacker behavior without executing actual exploits. Here’s a helpful metaphor: Think of it like a fire drill versus an actual fire: simulation (BAS) runs through the motions safely, while emulation (pen testing) actually lights the match. BAS can mirror true adversary behaviors by following their tactics and techniques, but does so in a controlled way that can’t accidentally damage systems or data. And here’s the kicker – you get the insights of real-world attack scenarios without the risks that come with traditional penetration testing’s actual exploit execution.
Two Flavors of BAS: Pick Your Poison
The good BAS vendors offer what I call “Internal Movement Simulation.” They deploy controlled implants in your environment that simulate how an attacker moves laterally once they’re inside. These implants probe your network segments, test trust relationships, and attempt privilege escalation – all the fun stuff real attackers do post-compromise. It’s like having a controlled red team exercise running constantly, but without the risk of breaking things.
The great BAS vendors take it a step further with “Full Kill Chain Testing.” They start where real attackers do – at your external perimeter. They’ll try everything: exploiting vulnerabilities, phishing your users, deploying implants, and simulating data theft. The real value here is in chaining these attacks together. A simulated phish leads to a foothold, which leads to lateral movement, which leads to data exfiltration – just like the real thing.
The Continuous BAS Advantage
Here’s where BAS really shines – it’s always on. When you push a new cloud config, BAS tests it. When a new CVE drops, BAS checks if you’re exposed. When you update your EDR rules, BAS validates them. No more waiting for the next quarterly pen test to know if you’re secure.
This continuous validation transforms security from a point-in-time assessment into a living, breathing process. Instead of drowning in vulnerability reports every quarter, you get prioritized, contextual insights about what’s actually exploitable in your environment right now. Your blue team gets constant practice against simulated attacks, building that crucial muscle memory for when the real ones hit.
Finding the Sweet Spot
Now, I’m not saying you should ditch all your other security testing. The most effective security programs use a mix of approaches. Think of it like this: BAS is your constant security camera system, automated pen testing is your quarterly health check-up, manual pen testing is your specialist consultation, and red teaming is your surprise inspection.
The key is making these work together. Use BAS findings to guide where you focus your manual pen testing. Let red team results inform what scenarios you configure in your BAS platform. It’s about building a complete validation program that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Wrapping It Up
The threat landscape isn’t getting any simpler, and our security testing needs to evolve accordingly. BAS represents a fundamental shift in how we validate security controls – from periodic point-in-time assessments to continuous, comprehensive testing. While traditional testing methods still have their place, BAS is quickly becoming the backbone of modern security validation programs.
Uni5 Xposure’s BAS module doesn’t just test—it validates. By integrating seamlessly into existing workflows, it continuously evaluates the efficacy of security controls against the latest adversarial tactics, zero-day vulnerabilities, and evolving threats. With agentless deployment, BAS ensures minimal disruption while offering unmatched coverage across networks, cloud environments, applications, and endpoints. This capability bridges the gap between hypothetical risk and actionable defense, making it an essential component of any modern security strategy.
The future of security testing isn’t about replacing one tool with another – it’s about finding the right mix of continuous and periodic validation to match how we’re actually being attacked. Let’s talk about how Uni5 Xposure’s BAS can revolutionize your security validation program. Reach out to us here: https://hivepro.com/book-a-demo
