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Application & OT Security · Intermediate

Assumed Breach

A testing approach that starts with attacker access already inside the environment to focus on post-compromise detection and impact.

Definition

Assumed-breach tests provide testers with a foothold, such as a domain-joined workstation and standard user credentials, skipping the initial access phase. This efficiently tests lateral movement, privilege escalation and detection capabilities. It reflects the reality that initial compromise via phishing is highly likely.

Example

The client gives the red team a standard laptop and VPN account to simulate a phished employee.

Exam tip

Choose assumed breach when the objective is to test internal defenses and detection, not perimeter controls.

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