When should I use breach and attack simulation tools?

The purpose of breach and attack simulation, or BAS, tools is to test the existing infrastructure security components, processes and procedures implemented within an enterprise IT infrastructure. Results of the simulations can verify they are working as intended. If a simulated breach does make it through, the tools can provide useful insights into the effectiveness of breach identification and remediation processes. The growing popularity of BAS tools over the last few years shows the importance of running these types of security breach simulations.

There's no precise answer when it comes to determining when a breach and attack simulation should be run. Much of it depends on the business's need to verify that security prevention tools and processes are functioning as intended. At a minimum, simulations should be run on an annual basis and thoroughly reviewed. Additionally, simulations should be conducted whenever a major add or change occurs to the overall network and/or security posture of the enterprise infrastructure. This way, the changes can be verified to prove no unintentional gaps in security mechanisms were created.