Best Red Teaming Companies (2026)
Red teaming goes beyond traditional penetration testing by simulating realistic, end-to-end attacks against your organisation. The best red teaming companies employ advanced adversary simulation techniques mapped to frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK, testing your detection and response capabilities against sophisticated threat actors.
These providers specialise in red team engagements including CBEST, TIBER-EU, and bespoke adversary simulations. They are recommended for organisations with mature security programmes that want to validate their defensive capabilities.
Related: Adversary simulation providers · DORA threat-led testing
SECFORCE
Our top recommendation on this page.
Canary Wharf-based adversary simulation and CBEST-aligned penetration testing consultancy, delivering CREST-accredited offensive security to UK financial services and other organisations with the most demanding requirements.
- CBEST-approved provider staffed by certified CCRTM and CCRTS consultants.
- Has delivered over 15 CBEST engagements for UK high street banks, major financial institutions, and other regulated entities.
- Works with a network of trusted, CBEST-approved threat intelligence partners, and can also work alongside any threat intelligence provider selected by the client or regulator.
- Independently audited against both ISO 27001 and SOC 2 for information security, data handling, and operational integrity.
NCC Group
Global cybersecurity consultancy with CREST, CHECK, and CBEST accreditation, renowned for deep technical research and comprehensive penetration testing services.
Dionach
Global enterprise cybersecurity consultancy founded in 1999 in Oxford, holding rare CREST STAR-FS accreditation and delivering penetration testing, red and purple teaming, and PCI QSA services across five international offices.
NetSPI
Penetration testing firm trusted by nine of the top ten US banks, with the Resolve platform for continuous attack surface management.
Pen Test Partners
The UK's largest independent security testing firm, renowned for IoT/OT research, CBEST red teaming, and CHECK/CREST-accredited penetration testing across all sectors.
PwC Cyber Security
Global Big Four professional services firm delivering CREST, CHECK, and CBEST-accredited penetration testing and red teaming services from London, serving the UK's largest enterprises and regulated organisations.
MDSec
Elite UK offensive security consultancy specialising in CBEST/STAR/TIBER red teaming, advanced adversary simulation, and CREST-accredited penetration testing for FTSE 100 clients.
Trustwave
Global managed security provider with the elite SpiderLabs penetration testing team and deep PCI DSS compliance expertise.
Secarma
Manchester-based independent cybersecurity consultancy with over 20 years of experience delivering CREST and CHECK-accredited penetration testing, red teaming, and compliance certification services.
Cyberis
CREST and CHECK-accredited UK penetration testing consultancy with CBEST approval, specialising in infrastructure, application, and simulated attack assessments across the public and private sectors.
Aristi
CHECK and CREST-accredited Birmingham-based cyber security consultancy with over 15 years of experience delivering penetration testing, red teaming, and OT security assessments for government and private sector clients.
Bridewell
Fast-growing CREST and CHECK-accredited UK cybersecurity consultancy with deep expertise in critical national infrastructure sectors.
Best Red Teaming Companies (2026), FAQs
What is red teaming and how does it differ from pen testing?+
Red teaming is an objective-driven adversary simulation that tests your organisation's detection and response capabilities. Unlike pen testing, which focuses on finding vulnerabilities within a defined scope, red teaming simulates realistic attacks across the full kill chain to test people, processes, and technology.
How much does a red team engagement cost?+
Red team engagements typically cost between £30,000 and £150,000+ depending on scope, duration, and complexity. Engagements usually last 4-12 weeks. Regulated frameworks like CBEST and TIBER-EU tend to be at the higher end.
Is my organisation ready for red teaming?+
Red teaming is most valuable when you have mature security controls including a SOC, EDR solutions, incident response procedures, and network segmentation. If basic security controls are lacking, traditional pen testing may be more appropriate first.
What is CBEST and TIBER-EU?+
CBEST is the Bank of England's framework for intelligence-led red teaming of financial institutions. TIBER-EU is the European Central Bank's equivalent framework. Both require specialised, accredited red team providers and are mandatory for significant financial entities.