Why Breach and Attack Simulation (BAS) Solutions Are The Safest Way for Security Validation?

Breach and Attack Simulation (BAS) is the safest and most effective way to validate an organization's security posture. Unlike traditional methods such as manual penetration testing, automated red teaming, or vulnerability scanning, BAS provides continuous, controlled, and risk-free assessments without exposing systems to real threats. It eliminates the risks of invasive testing, human error, and limited coverage, ensuring real-time security validation without operational impact.

In this blog, we answered frequently asked questions about the safety, reliability, and compliance of BAS solutions, categorized into five key areas:

1. Operational Stability and Business Continuity 

2. Data Security, Privacy, and Compliance 

3. Vendor Security

4. Access Control and Authentication 

5. Control, Transparency, and Auditability 

By the end of this discussion, you will gain a clear understanding of why BAS is the safest choice for organizations looking to strengthen their cybersecurity posture without compromise.

Operational Stability and Business Continuity

• Can simulations disrupt our critical services or production environment? What safeguards and containment measures are in place to ensure they remain non-disruptive?

No. BAS simulations are entirely isolated from your production environment. 

For example, in the case of Network Infiltration Attacks, the Picus BAS agent is an executable binary that is deployed on a customer-provided endpoint or virtual machine. All simulated attacks are directed at this designated agent. This ensures that every simulation is restricted to that single, dedicated machine. Furthermore, strict scope controls and automated safety protocols ensure vulnerabilities are identified securely, without posing any risk to your live systems.

In the case of Web Application Attacks, there are different practices. Some BAS vendors prefer to perform attacks directly on the web application. This creates significant stability issues, and inconsistency in the simulation results, as well as possible Denial of Service attacks. In contrast, Picus BAS provides you with the option of running a simulation against a pre-dedicated endpoint to see if any of the web application attack vectors were blocked by the established Web Application Firewall (WAF) right away. This practice results in efficient and effective testing of WAF, delivering consistent and accurate simulation results.

• Can simulations accidentally cause permanent alterations or system instability?

No. BAS assessments must be deliberately designed non-invasive and non-destructive, meaning they do not alter or damage target systems. As a result, there is no risk of permanent changes or system instability.

For instance, when it comes to Endpoint Attacks, Picus BAS delivers the most realistic tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), with each payload having a corresponding rewind process. To illustrate, if a new registry entry is added to a pre-dedicated endpoint, this change is reversed as a follow-up to maintain the initial state, ensuring no alterations whatsoever.

• Does installing a BAS solution introduce new vulnerabilities on the host machine?

No. This concern primarily arises from traditional manual assessment methods, such as penetration testing. 

However, installing a BAS solution like Picus BAS does not introduce new vulnerabilities, as it operates within a controlled environment designed to test existing security defenses without creating security gaps. It ensures system integrity through a rewind process that restores the original state after simulations, preventing persistent modifications. 

Malicious content is securely stored and tested in a controlled manner, with encrypted communication (TLS, AWS KMS) and strict access controls (RBAC, PostgreSQL RLS). 

The platform undergoes regular updates to patch vulnerabilities, and attack results are determined within the agent, minimizing external risks. Additionally, automated cleanup mechanisms prevent simulation artifacts from persisting. By following security best practices, including firewall rules, authentication safeguards, and network segmentation, Picus BAS effectively assesses vulnerabilities without exposing new risks.

• What impact, if any, do continuous simulations have on our endpoint and network performance? Are there safeguards or throttling mechanisms to maintain performance?

Continuous simulations in Picus BAS are designed to have minimal impact on endpoint and network performance. However, running frequent attack simulations can introduce temporary resource usage spikes, particularly in CPU, memory, and network bandwidth. To mitigate potential slowdowns or disruptions, Picus BAS includes several safeguards and throttling mechanisms:

1. Resource-Efficient Agents: Picus agents are lightweight and optimized to run attack simulations without significantly affecting endpoint performance. They operate in the background with minimal CPU and memory consumption.

2. Throttling & Rate Limiting: The platform includes configurable throttling options, allowing organizations to control the frequency and intensity of simulations. This ensures that high-resource attack scenarios do not overload systems.

3. Network Traffic Control: Attack simulations that generate network traffic (e.g., exfiltration tests, web application attacks) are rate-limited to avoid congestion. Organizations can define bandwidth limits and schedule simulations during off-peak hours to minimize impact.

4. Priority-Based Execution: Picus allows users to prioritize simulations, ensuring that critical business applications and network infrastructure are not disrupted by high-intensity attack scenarios.

5. Scheduled Execution & Maintenance Windows: Security teams can configure specific time windows for running simulations, preventing conflicts with peak operational hours and ensuring a balanced workload.

6. Logging & Performance Monitoring: The platform continuously monitors CPU, memory, and network usage, alerting users if a simulation causes unexpected resource spikes. This ensures visibility and control over system performance.

Data Security, Privacy, and Compliance

• How does the BAS solution ensure our sensitive data remains untouched or fully protected during simulated attacks?

The Picus BAS solution ensures that sensitive data remains untouched and fully protected during simulated attacks by employing a non-invasive and controlled assessment methodology. Hence, your simulations do not interact with production assets or attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in a way that could lead to data exposure. Instead, the simulations are designed to mimic cyberattacks in a safe and controlled manner without compromising actual systems.

• How do we ensure that simulations respect privacy laws like GDPR, CCPA, and similar regulations?

A BAS solution has to respect geopolitical laws.

Picus ensures that its BAS solution complies with privacy laws like GDPR, CCPA, and other regulations through several key measures. First, the platform follows the Privacy-by-Design principle, embedding privacy considerations into every phase of development and operation. Personal data processing is limited to only what is strictly necessary for authentication and platform usage, ensuring no unauthorized collection or misuse of user data.

Additionally, all customer data is encrypted at rest and in transit, preventing unauthorized access or exposure. The platform also conducts regular privacy impact assessments (PIAs) to identify and mitigate risks associated with data processing activities. 

• Where is data generated by simulations stored?

A leading BAS vendor stores simulation data in the geographic region specified by the customer to maintain compliance with data residency and sovereignty requirements. 

Picus products are securely hosted on AWS by default, with data replicated across multiple availability zones for redundancy and disaster recovery. (Note that on-premises and airgapped deployments are also available if needed.) Picus Security places the utmost importance on preserving the confidentiality and integrity of customer data, ensuring it remains protected from unauthorized access and available when needed.

Encryption: Data at rest in Picus’ production network is encrypted using the industry-standard 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES256). Picus supports the latest recommended secure cipher suites to encrypt all traffic in transit, including TLS 1.2 protocols, AES 256 encryption, and SHA2 signatures, whenever supported by clients.

Access Control: Role-Based Access Control and Row-Level Security are implemented to ensure data segmentation and protection.

Data Deletion & Retention: Customer data is removed following contract termination unless legally required otherwise.

• Can the vendor guarantee compliance with regional and local data sovereignty regulations?

Yes. Leading BAS providers are compliant with local and regional regulations.

For instance, Picus guarantees compliance with regional and local information security and data privacy regulations through its strict adherence to globally recognized security and privacy standards/frameworks. The company holds ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27701, ISO/IEC 22301, and ISO/IEC 20000-1 certifications, as well as a SOC 2 Type 2 report, validating its commitment to industry best practices. 

Additionally, Picus complies with major data protection laws such as GDPR, KVKK (Turkey), and CCPA (California), ensuring that customer data is handled in accordance with regional legal requirements.

• How does the platform encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit?

A BAS vendor must provide a secure and robust platform that ensures end-to-end encryption of sensitive data, both at rest and in transit.

The Picus platform ensures the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data by employing strong encryption mechanisms both at rest and in transit. All stored data is encrypted using industry-standard encryption algorithms, preventing unauthorized access even in the event of a data breach. AWS Key Management Service is utilized for cryptographic operations, ensuring centralized and secure key management. The encryption keys themselves are securely stored in AWS CloudHSM (Hardware Security Module), providing an additional layer of protection by restricting access to cryptographic materials.

For data in transit, the platform enforces end-to-end encryption using strong protocols such as TLS (Transport Layer Security) to secure communications between systems, ensuring that data remains protected during transmission. This prevents interception, tampering, or unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Access Controls and Authentication

• How are user permissions managed, audited, and monitored? Does the BAS platform support role-based access control (RBAC) with appropriate segregation of duties?

A BAS solution should support role-based access controls.

Picus manages user permissions through Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), ensuring appropriate segregation of duties. Access to development and production environments is granted on a need-to-know basis and is periodically reviewed to prevent unauthorized access. Privileged Account Management (PAM) is enforced, requiring approvals for critical changes. Additionally, all user activities related to authentication and authorization are logged and monitored in real-time to detect and respond to any unauthorized access attempts

• How securely is authentication and authorization handled within the platform?

Authentication and authorization leverage industry-standard methods (SSO, MFA) to maintain secure access management.

Vendor Security

• Is the BAS provider independently audited or certified (e.g., SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001)?

Reputable BAS providers must hold certifications such as SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, and regularly undergo third-party audits, ensuring trustworthy security standards.

Picus Security is independently audited and certified, holding multiple internationally recognized security certifications. These include SOC 2 Type II, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27701, ISO/IEC 22301, ISO/IEC 20000-1, and CSA STAR Level 1. These certifications demonstrate Picus' commitment to strong security, privacy, and compliance practices.

Additionally, Picus undergoes regular independent third-party audits to validate adherence to security and privacy standards. These audits ensure that the BAS solution meets stringent regulatory and industry requirements. Customers can also request access to the SOC 2 Type II report via the Picus Trust Center, subject to signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)​.

• How does the vendor protect their infrastructure against compromise and insider threats?

Vendors must implement rigorous security protocols including regular penetration testing, continuous monitoring, strict access controls, and insider-threat management practices.

Picus implements multiple layers of security measures to protect its infrastructure against compromise and insider threats. The company follows a security-first approach, integrating strict access controls, continuous monitoring, encryption, and independent security audits to safeguard its platform​.

To mitigate insider threats, Picus enforces Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and Privileged Account Management (PAM), ensuring that employees and system administrators only have access to the resources necessary for their roles. User privileges are granted on a need-to-know basis and are regularly reviewed to prevent unauthorized access​. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is also required for critical systems, adding an additional layer of security.

Picus employs continuous monitoring and logging of system and user activities, with alerts set up to detect anomalous behavior, unauthorized access attempts, or suspicious internal activity. Logs are securely stored and analyzed to ensure any potential insider threats are identified and mitigated in real-time​.

To protect against external threats and infrastructure compromise, Picus conducts regular internal and external penetration testing, along with vulnerability assessments, ensuring that security gaps are identified and addressed proactively​. All data stored in Picus's infrastructure is encrypted at rest and in transit using AWS Key Management Service (KMS) and CloudHSM, protecting against data breaches and unauthorized access​.

• How transparent is the vendor regarding security vulnerabilities and incidents in their platform? 

It is important for a BAS vendor to be transparent regarding security vulnerabilities and incidents affecting its platform.

As a BAS provider, Picus demonstrates a high level of transparency regarding security vulnerabilities and incidents in its platform through continuous monitoring, regular audits, and proactive security practices. The company undergoes regular internal and external penetration testing, ensuring that potential vulnerabilities are identified and mitigated before they pose a risk​.

In addition to pentesting, Picus follows strict compliance measures, holding certifications such as SOC 2 Type II, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27701, ISO/IEC 22301, and CSA Star Level 1 to validate its security commitments​. These certifications require adherence to stringent security protocols and demonstrate Picus’s dedication to transparent and independently verified security practices.

Furthermore, Picus provides detailed logging and monitoring of system and user activities, allowing organizations to audit and track all security-related events. Security vulnerabilities and incidents are promptly assessed, logged, and, when necessary, communicated through appropriate channels. The Picus Trust Center enables customers to request security reports, such as the SOC 2 Type II report, under an NDA, reinforcing transparency​.

Additionally, Picus operates a publicly open Vulnerability Disclosure Program (VDP), allowing security researchers and ethical hackers to responsibly report vulnerabilities. This ensures that any security weaknesses can be identified and addressed in a timely manner, further strengthening the security posture of the platform​.

Control, Transparency, and Auditability

• Can simulations be paused or stopped immediately if needed?

Yes, Picus BAS tool allows simulations to be paused or stopped immediately if needed. The platform provides real-time control over simulations, enabling security teams to halt ongoing tests at any time through the user interface. This ensures that organizations can swiftly respond to any unexpected system behavior, operational concerns, or security events during the simulation process.

• Is the platform fully auditable with clear logs?

A BAS assessment must generate detailed logs and transparent, user-friendly reports available for internal and external audits. 

For instance, Picus platform is fully auditable with comprehensive logging and monitoring capabilities. The platform ensures continuous monitoring and logging of system and user activities, allowing organizations to track who performed what action and when. These logs are critical for compliance, security investigations, and forensic analysis.

BAS Is the Safest Way for Security Validation

BAS solutions provide a secure, controlled way to test and validate your organization's security posture. By simulating real-world adversary behaviors in tightly managed environments, they avoid the risks associated with manual penetration testing or red teaming, including business halt due to network load, inadvertently introducing new vulnerabilities, or forgetting to revert changes. With BAS, you gain ongoing and comprehensive security assessments without introducing unnecessary disruptions or oversights.

Hence, BAS is a risk-free yet powerful method of verifying security posture by safeguarding critical infrastructure, operational continuity, stringent data privacy, and robust vendor security protocols. BAS platform features, including full auditability, role-based access control, and stringent encryption practices, guarantee the integrity of sensitive information while simultaneously fulfilling compliance requirements. By implementing a BAS framework, organizations can confidently strengthen their security measures, ensure continuous business processes, and fulfill regulatory mandates without affecting the integrity or functionality of their production systems.