By Jeremy Ventura, Field CISO, Myriad360
For too long, cybersecurity operations have been dominated by silos. Red teams act as attackers, probing for vulnerabilities, while Blue teams are defenders, focused on detecting and responding to incidents. This separation works in theory, but in practice, it leads to inefficiencies, redundant efforts, and missed opportunities.
Purple teaming changes this dynamic. It’s not just a concept—it’s a transformative approach that aligns Red and Blue teams, creating a real-time feedback loop that strengthens defenses and improves threat readiness. When done right, Purple teaming doesn’t just improve outcomes; it represents a holistic step forward in cybersecurity.
From my experience, the greatest weakness in traditional security operations isn’t the people or the tools—it’s the lack of collaboration. Red teams excel at finding vulnerabilities, but their insights often sit unused because the handoff to Blue teams is ineffective. Similarly, Blue teams are skilled at defending live environments but often miss the offensive perspective needed to anticipate emerging threats.
A 2023 study by
found that organizations with siloed teams take 30% longer to detect and respond to incidents compared to those that integrate Red and Blue efforts. This delay isn’t just a statistic—it’s the difference between stopping a breach and dealing with its aftermath.Purple teaming isn’t about merging roles—it’s about fostering collaboration. Red and Blue teams retain their distinct functions but work together iteratively, learning from each other in real time.
Here’s how it works:
Shared Simulations Feedback Loops Automated ToolsThis approach doesn’t just improve security—it builds trust and alignment across teams, a critical factor for success.
1. Accelerated Threat Response
Organizations using Purple teaming report significant improvements in response times. A case study highlighted by
showed a global healthcare company reducing incident response times by 40% after integrating Purple team exercises into their operations.2. Improved Efficiency
Automation is a game-changer. A multinational financial institution used BAS tools to conduct continuous simulations, improving detection accuracy by 25% while saving hundreds of hours annually. This allowed their teams to focus on strategic improvements rather than repetitive tasks.
3. Proactive Defense
Purple teams create a balance between (shift-left) and (shift-right) security strategies. This dual approach ensures vulnerabilities are addressed before deployment and that live systems remain resilient to evolving threats.
Implementing Purple teaming requires more than tools—it demands cultural change. Here’s how to start:
1. Build Cross-Team Relationships
Effective collaboration begins with trust. Introduce regular joint exercises and debrief sessions to break down barriers between teams.
2. Invest in Automation
BAS platforms are critical for scaling Purple teaming efforts. They enable continuous testing, generate actionable insights, and ensure teams stay focused on high-priority issues.
3. Focus on Training
Equip teams with the skills to collaborate effectively. Blue teams should learn to think like attackers, and Red teams should understand defensive priorities. Training ensures everyone speaks the same operational language.
Overcoming Resistance
Change isn’t easy. Start small with pilot programs that showcase measurable wins—like faster response times or fewer false positives—to build momentum across your organization.