What is agentic red teaming?

Agentic red teaming can mean using AI agents to conduct an assessment toward a security objective. The agents choose actions, receive results and adjust their next steps within the capabilities and scope they have been given.

The phrase is also used for testing AI systems. Before comparing products, establish which system is being tested and which work the agent performs.

Testing a network or testing an AI system

In a network assessment, an agent might pursue access to a directory, server or database. In an assessment of an AI system, the work might examine prompt injection, data disclosure or unauthorized actions by that system.

AI can participate in either exercise. Calling a product “agentic” does not establish its target, scope or level of independence.

What makes the decisions useful

A recovered credential gives an agent a new option. A failed attempt can rule out a route. The value comes from making those decisions with the available evidence and then recording what the actions actually achieved.

The scope and permissions you set govern which targets and techniques the agent can use.

Where AutoAttack fits

AutoAttack is an autonomous red team agent that pursues your goal at machine speed. It chains technical attacks through newly gained credentials and footholds, then connects each access gain to its prerequisites and evidence. The autonomous penetration testing guide explains how to evaluate that campaign.

A broader red team engagement can also assess people and response processes. For AutoAttack’s technical results, inspect the published lab runs and the report guide.