Prepare for the Worst to Protect Your Best
Even the most fortified networks can be breached by a single phishing email, supply chain exploit, or zero-day vulnerability. Rather than waiting to see if attackers can enter, Assumed Breach Analysis starts with the premise that they already have. IT Audit Labs simulates the post-intrusion phase of an attack, identifying how far threat actors can move within your environment and how effectively your security controls detect, contain, and eradicate them.
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Our holistic approach to assumed breach testing allows your organization to validate existing defenses, strengthen incident response, and pinpoint weaknesses that typical perimeter-focused tests might miss.
Why Assumed Breach Analysis Matters
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Realistic Attack Simulation
Traditional penetration testing often targets perimeter defenses. Assumed Breach reflects post-compromise scenarios—mimicking advanced adversaries who’ve already found their way in.
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Test Incident Response in Action
By starting inside your network, we gauge how quickly your detection and response teams can spot suspicious activity, limit lateral movement, and contain potential data exfiltration.
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Validate Zero Trust & Defense-in-Depth
A breach anywhere should not mean a breach everywhere. Assumed breach testing verifies whether network segmentation, privilege boundaries, and logging align with a Zero Trust model.
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Demonstrate Compliance & Due Diligence
Frameworks like NIST, ISO 27001, or PCI DSS emphasize continuous improvement and layered security. Proving resilience in a worst-case scenario reinforces compliance efforts.
Our Assumed Breach Approach
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Scoping & Goal Setting
We collaborate with you to define objectives, assets of interest, and initial attacker foothold conditions—such as a compromised endpoint or stolen credentials.
02.
Recon & Initial Analysis
Our experts review your network topology, security controls, and existing detection capabilities to determine potential pathways for lateral movement and escalation.
03.
Privilege Escalation & Lateral Movement
Starting from the assumed breach point, we test for misconfigurations, unpatched systems, and credential reuse that allow attackers to pivot deeper into your environment.
04.
Data Exfiltration & Impact Analysis
We simulate attempts to access, package, and remove sensitive data—assessing exfiltration channels and your ability to spot and block them.
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Reporting & Remediation Guidance
You receive a detailed, risk-based report illustrating exactly what assets an attacker could reach—and how. Our team provides clear remediation strategies and supports you with any follow-up hardening.
Potential Weaknesses We Discover
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Misaligned Network Segmentation
Flat or poorly segmented networks can grant attackers free rein once they penetrate an endpoint.
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Excessive Privileges
Overly permissive accounts or default admin settings enable easy escalation of privileges.
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Ineffective Logging & Monitoring
Gaps in SIEM coverage or alert thresholds can delay detection of anomalous internal traffic or suspicious behavior.
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Unpatched & Legacy Systems
End-of-life OS versions and outdated applications offer known exploits for adversaries.
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Poor Credential Hygiene
Reused passwords, plaintext secrets, or weak policy enforcement become stepping stones to high-value assets.
Where Assumed Breach Fits with Other Services
Red & Purple Teaming
Assumed breach testing often forms part of a Red Team or Purple Team exercise, focusing specifically on internal adversarial tactics.
Vulnerability Management
Identified weaknesses feed into continuous patching, configuration changes, and risk prioritization.
Incident Response
Lessons learned from assumed breach scenarios enhance IR playbooks, tool configurations, and staff training.
Why Choose IT Audit Labs?
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Certified Experts
Our testers hold OSCP, CEH, CISSP, and GPEN certifications, combining technical depth with hands-on incident response expertise.
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Realistic Attack Scenarios
We employ manual exploitation and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) from frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK, providing real-world insights into your defense readiness.
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Tailored Engagements
Every environment is unique. We adapt attack simulations to your technology stack, user base, and compliance mandates for targeted results.
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Clear, Actionable Reporting
Our risk-based framework ensures that critical findings stand out, so you can prioritize and mitigate them swiftly.
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End-to-End Support
From planning and execution to remediation guidance and retesting, IT Audit Labs stands by your side to strengthen your overall security posture.
Want to hear more?
Check out any of our episodes of The Audit Podcast, where we interview the best and brightest in cybersecurity, covering the latest infosec best practices, news, and insights.
Listen to our latest episode!
Strengthen Your Security from the Inside
Don’t wait for an actual intruder to test your defenses. Assumed Breach Analysis Services from IT Audit Labs deliver a comprehensive, inside-out view of your security landscape—identifying gaps, validating Zero Trust, and empowering you to stop potential damage before it starts.
Certified Infosec Expertise
