Red Team: How to Succeed by Thinking like the Enemy

Zenko, a security expert and fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, explains, in absorbing detail, the value of red teams, groups formed to act as devil’s advocates. While red teams are frequently used by the U.S. military, they are relatively new to the corporate world. Zenko shows just how these practices can help companies improve performance and identify failings. He advocates three specific techniques: simulations, vulnerability probes, and alternative analyses. He goes on to identify six red-teaming best practices (such as “have a big bag of tricks” and “be willing to hear bad news and act on it”). Zenko provides interesting examples of how U.S. intelligence agencies have used red-teaming, notably for topics related to homeland security. Shifting focus from the government and the military, Zenko looks at predatory competitive practices in a chapter that will hit home with every executive. From business war gaming to physical and cyber penetration testing, he shows just how vulnerable corporations are. He closes with a look at realistic outcomes and pitfalls to avoid. Armed with case studies ranging from the discovery of vulnerabilities in the Verizon network to the hunt for Osama bin Laden, Zenko offers readers much to consider and an effective way to take action. [em]Agent: Geri Thoma, Writers House. (Nov.) [/em]