---
title: "Understanding the ins and outs of attack simulations | DuoCircle"
description: "Understanding the ins and outs of attack simulations."
image: "https://www.duocircle.com/images/og-default.png"
canonical: "https://www.duocircle.com/blog/email-security/understanding-the-ins-and-outs-of-attack-simulations/"
---

Quick Answer

Attack simulation is a security testing technique that mimics real-world attacker tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to validate whether existing defenses detect and block them. Unlike penetration testing, which focuses on finding exploitable vulnerabilities, simulation evaluates the security operations response: did the SIEM alert, did EDR contain the process, did the SOC triage in time. Common simulation types: red team engagements (full-scope adversary emulation), purple team exercises (red and blue working together to tune detections), phishing simulations (testing user reporting and gateway filters), and breach and attack simulation (BAS) platforms that run continuous automated tests against MITRE ATT&CK techniques. Output is a gap report mapped to ATT&CK tactics, with prioritized remediation for missing detections, response playbooks, and policy enforcement.

Understanding the ins and outs of attack simulations

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![ins and outs of attack simulations](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/11/SMTP-email-server-3476.jpg) 

Attack simulation is a cybersecurity technique that tests defenses by imitating tactics, methods, and procedures used by [threat actors](https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/us-israel-iran-new-tradecraft/) to exploit vulnerabilities and launch attacks. Its purpose is to **spot system vulnerabilities** and help the security team remediate them before someone capitalizes on them for malicious purposes. 

The concept of attack simulation is similar to [penetration testing](https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/security/glossary/what-is-penetration-testing/), but the former helps you understand how attackers might navigate your defenses and if the existing **security operations** are resilient enough against those strategies. 

Let’s get into the detail of the topic.

## What is an attack simulation?

[![ransomware](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/11/buy-smtp-4932.jpg)](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/11/buy-smtp-4932.jpg)

Attack simulation involves emulating a full attack cycle on an organization’s network, infrastructure, and assets using [real-world attacker](https://thehackernews.com/2023/10/unraveling-real-life-attack-paths-key.html) tactics and techniques. These simulations can focus on specific threats like [malware, ransomware](https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/ransomware-gang-deploys-new-malware-to-kill-security-software/), or vulnerabilities and may include **security teams** to evaluate their response.

The goal of attack simulation is to assess how **well security controls and teams** detect and mitigate attacks, uncover vulnerabilities, and identify areas needing improvement. _By regularly testing from an attacker’s perspective, organizations can strengthen their defenses and reduce risks caused by misconfigurations, vulnerabilities, or risky user behavior_.

The attack simulation tools are highly automated, enabling frequent tests compared to the longer gaps seen in traditional penetration tests or red/blue team exercises. This frequent testing provides better visibility into an organization’s **true security state**, aligning with the principles of [Continuous testing](https://www.opkey.com/blog/addressing-the-common-challenges-in-continuous-testing), where automated and ongoing assessments help organizations quickly identify and address vulnerabilities as they arise.

## 6 steps of an attack simulation

The simulation should be **planned and performed strategically** for optimum outcomes and to ensure that you don’t harm the system. The attack simulation process typically unfolds in 6 steps-

### Threat profiling with cyber threat intelligence

The foremost step is to diligently understand the organization’s security structure and attack history. For example, if your company belongs to the **finance sector**, you should consider researching [cyber threats](https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/cyber-threats-defend-ncsc-head/) and [advanced persistent threat (APT)](https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/advanced-persistent-threat-APT) groups that often target this sector. 

### Defining the attack simulation scope

Next, specify the scope of your cyberattack simulation. _Start by establishing boundaries so that you work in a controlled environment, ensuring that not all your operations are disrupted_. Defining the scope not only validates the effectiveness of security controls but also **improves response times** because the person in charge of [cybersecurity](/) gets familiar with the infrastructure and its complexities.

### Defining the objective of the cyber attack simulation

_Every attacker has a specific goal, whether it’s financial gain, recognition, or activism_. Their aim is to maximize the impact of their attacks. For instance, in a [ransomware campaign, attackers](https://cyberscoop.com/blue-yonder-ransomware-impact-starbucks-supermarkets/) seek the highest privileges to infect as many systems as possible, forcing victims to **pay to restore operations** and secure [sensitive data](https://securityintelligence.com/news/national-public-data-breach-publishes-private-data-billions-us-citizens/).

[![ransomware campaign](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/11/spf-validator-8.jpg)](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/11/spf-validator-8.jpg)

Similarly, when planning an attack simulation, offensive security professionals must define clear objectives. These might include accessing the domain controller, compromising a **domain admin’s account** using [credential-dumping techniques](https://www.threatdown.com/blog/credential-dumping-how-ransomware-gangs-steal-login-data-and-how-to-detect-it/), or other specific targets.

### Planning the attack

This stage involves carefully outlining the potential attack pathways while also considering the company’s unique [threat landscape](https://cybermagazine.com/articles/the-rapidly-evolving-threat-landscape-of-2024) and identified objectives. In this step, security personnel also determine the tools to be used for simulation. These tools can belong to third parties or be **native operating system utilities**.

It’s important to enlist a variety of cyberattack techniques. Common ones include [malware injection](https://www.scworld.com/analysis/more-than-250-us-news-sites-inject-malware-in-possible-supply-chain-attack), exploitation of [SPF](/resources/what-is-spf), [DKIM](/resources/what-is-dkim), and [DMARC](/resources/what-is-dmarc) misconfigurations, network reconnaissance, etc. T\_his planning phase turns the simulation’s goals into a clear, actionable plan, ensuring an effective cyber attack simulation\_.

### Executing the cyber attack simulation

While executing the [attack simulation](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/10/28/2969849/28124/en/Breach-and-Attack-Simulation-Market-Forecast-to-2029-with-Case-Studies-of-Cymulate-XM-Cyber-Safebreach-AttackIQ-Pentera-and-Qualys.html), the **offensive security professionals** carry out the strategized plan. They consider the strategy laid out in the previous step as a guide; however, they keep the process relatively flexible to adapt to unexpected opportunities.

_For instance, during reconnaissance, they might discover a privileged user account with access to critical domains_. If they gain unauthorized access, they could exploit this to access a **domain controller or sensitive servers**, such as those hosting financial records.

This adaptability ensures the simulation **effectively uncovers vulnerabilities**, making it more accurate and thorough.

### Results and reporting

Once the attack simulation is done, the **offensive security professional develops** a detailed report on how the process was conducted, what all vulnerabilities were spotted, and what remediation actions are to be taken.

The comprehensive report is like an **actionable guide** that helps the organization understand the effectiveness and resilience of its [security defenses](https://www.forbes.com/sites/tonybradley/2024/11/13/identity-security-is-the-cornerstone-of-modern-cyber-defense/). By filling the gaps, owners can make their technical infrastructure attack-proof. 

## The way forward

This cybersecurity technique runs on automation and provides real-time feedback. It can be made to run continuously or as required without appointing more human resources. It leverages frameworks like [MITRE ATT&CK](https://www.ibm.com/topics/mitre-attack) and integrates with **SIEM/SOAR tools**.

Once you have worked on the suggested remedial and gaps are filled, ensure the next round of simulation **shows improvements and progress**. Reach out to professionals for the best help, DIYing isn’t always a good choice.

## Topics

cyber securityDKIMDMARCSecurityspf 

![Brad Slavin](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/images/team/brad-slavin.jpg) 

Brad Slavin 

General Manager

General Manager at DuoCircle. Product strategy and commercial lead across the email security portfolio.

## Secure your email infrastructure

Protect, authenticate, and deliver. Contact our team to find the right solution.

[Contact Sales](/contact/) [Explore Products](/products/) 

## Related Articles

[  Email Security 12m  DMARC, SPF, and DKIM in 2026: Why Email Authentication Is Now a Regulatory Requirement, Not Just a Best Practice  Apr 29, 2026 ](/blog/dmarc-spf-dkim-2026-email-authentication-regulatory-requirement-best-practice/)[  Email Security 6m  3 emerging AI-powered cyber threats and how to stay protected from them in 2025  Jun 27, 2025 ](/blog/email-security/3-ai-powered-cyber-threats-2025-and-how-to-stay-safe/)[  Email Security 4m  A practical guide on checking your email health  Dec 26, 2025 ](/blog/email-security/a-practical-guide-on-checking-your-email-health/)[  Email Security 8m  Best practices to make Privileged Account and Session Management a breeze  Jan 7, 2025 ](/blog/email-security/best-practices-for-simplifying-privileged-account-and-session-management/)

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