TIBER-EU: The Cyberattack Simulation Redefining Security in Europe
If your organization is part of critical infrastructure or a financial entity, this article is designed for you. Learn how TIBER-EU is transforming security testing across Europe.
A Strategic Framework for Testing Organizational Resilience
TIBER-EU (Threat Intelligence-Based Ethical Red Teaming) is a cybersecurity testing framework developed by the European Central Bank. Its goal is to simulate sophisticated cyberattacks on critical infrastructures across Europe, assessing their ability to withstand advanced threats.
Unlike traditional audits, TIBER-EU relies on Red Teaming exercises, where cybersecurity experts take on the role of real attackers. By replicating the techniques used by cybercriminals, they attempt to infiltrate systems, uncover vulnerabilities, and address them before a real incident occurs.
A Key Tool for Strengthening Infrastructure Security
Cyber threats are evolving rapidly, and conventional security measures are often insufficient against highly targeted attacks. TIBER-EU provides a structured approach to proactively test and enhance defenses before cybercriminals can exploit weaknesses.
This framework is designed for financial institutions, critical service providers, and other essential sectors, ensuring their security measures align with the ever-changing cyber threat landscape.
How Does TIBER-EU Work?
TIBER-EU consists of a structured process with three key phases:
- Preparation: Organizations define the scope of the test, selecting critical assets to be evaluated.
- Testing Phase: Ethical hackers, guided by real-time threat intelligence, conduct Red Team attacks to simulate real cyber threats.
- Closure and Improvement: The findings are analyzed, and concrete recommendations are provided to enhance security postures.
Unlike standard penetration testing, these exercises go beyond simple technical vulnerabilities—they assess the resilience of people, processes, and technologies in real-world attack scenarios.
Why TIBER-EU Compliance Matters
Regulatory bodies and financial institutions increasingly recognize TIBER-EU as a benchmark for cybersecurity resilience. Adopting this framework allows organizations to:
- Identify and fix security gaps proactively before actual attacks occur.
- Enhance crisis response capabilities by testing incident detection and reaction times.
- Strengthen regulatory compliance as TIBER-EU aligns with European cybersecurity regulations and best practices.
Building a Resilient Cybersecurity Strategy with TIBER-EU: Thales' Expertise at the Core
TIBER-EU is more than just à test- it is a continuous improvement process that helps organizations build robust cyber defenses. By adopting this framework, companies can reinforce their security posture, meet regulatory expectations, and ensure operational continuity in an increasingly hostile digital landscape. With Thales's end-to-end cybersecurity capabilities, including expert consulting, proactive threat hunting, and advanced detection and response solutions, organizations benefit from tailored support to navigate the complexities of TIBER-EU, strengthening both their resilience and their strategic positioning in the market.
To learn more about implementing TIBER-EU and strengthening your cybersecurity, contact our Thales experts today.
