The Real Value of Penetration Testing & Red Team Engagements

Problem

Organizations assume their firewalls or AV software will protect them, but real-world attackers exploit misconfigurations and human error.

Approach

Using Kali Linux, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and custom scripts, I run controlled red team exercises to simulate external and internal attacks. I map AD structures with BloodHound and test password hygiene with Hydra.

Results

• Exposed weak Kerberos policies
• Uncovered misconfigured firewalls
• Highlighted unpatched web apps

Clients remediated issues before attackers could exploit.

References:

• MITRE ATT&CK Framework
• SANS Pen Testing