Atomic Red Team
A library of simple tests to execute atomic checks of security controls.
Overview
Atomic Red Team is not a software tool in itself, but a highly popular open-source project by Red Canary that provides a library of simple, 'atomic' tests. Each test is designed to execute a specific adversary technique defined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Security teams can use these tests to quickly and easily validate their defenses, check for detection coverage, and ensure their security tools are working as expected. It is often used with execution frameworks like Invoke-AtomicRedTeam.
✨ Key Features
- Library of 1500+ atomic tests
- Directly mapped to MITRE ATT&CK techniques
- Simple, easy-to-understand test definitions (YAML)
- Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux
- PowerShell and Python execution frameworks available
- Community-driven and actively maintained
🎯 Key Differentiators
- Focus on simplicity and ease of use ('atomic' tests)
- Extensive, community-supported library of tests
- Completely free and open-source
- Acts as a foundational component for many other security tools and platforms
Unique Value: Provides a simple, free, and standardized way for any organization to begin testing its security controls against real-world adversary techniques.
🎯 Use Cases (5)
✅ Best For
- Testing if a specific EDR rule triggers for a known persistence technique
- Validating SIEM alert logic for credential dumping
- Training analysts to identify malicious command-line activity
💡 Check With Vendor
Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:
- Emulating a full, complex attack chain (it focuses on individual 'atomic' techniques).
- Organizations needing a graphical user interface for test execution.
🏆 Alternatives
While full BAS platforms provide automation and reporting, Atomic Red Team offers unparalleled simplicity and transparency for executing single techniques, making it an excellent starting point for detection engineering and purple teaming.
💻 Platforms
✅ Offline Mode Available
🔌 Integrations
💰 Pricing
Free tier: Completely free and open-source.
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