It is crucial that the Member Organizations within the Financial Sector are resilient against the newest and most advanced cyber-attacks.

The Financial Entities Ethical Red Teaming Framework (F.E.E.R.) is intended as a guide for Member Organizations within Saudi Arabia in preparing and executing controlled attacks (i.e. threat intelligence based red teaming tests) against their (live) production environment without exposing sensitive information with the help of certified and experienced Red Teaming Providers.

The Saudi Central Bank* (SAMA) has a leading role in the implementation of this Framework. This Framework and associated processes will be continuously improved using the feedback and lessons learned from each red teaming exercise. This framework aims for sharing of intelligence and information obtained during such testing in order to further improve the cyber resilience of the Saudi Arabian Financial Sector.

Red Teaming should not be regarded as an Audit. It is a simulation test, which seeks to provide insight into the level of resilience and effectiveness of the implemented cyber security controls and relevant processes (i.e. detection and response).

Red Teaming is not a penetration test. In contrast to a penetration test (in which one or more specific information assets are tested and assessed), it focuses on replicating a targeted and realistic attack against the entire Member Organization performed in a controlled manner.

The Red Teaming Provider will use the latest attack tactics, techniques and procedures (i.e. TTPs) in an attempt to compromise the Member Organization, aiming to reach the member organizations most important and valuable information assets and to test the detection and response capabilities of the Member Organization. The Red Team consists of certified and experienced ethical hackers with in-depth knowledge of all security domains.

* The "Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency" was replaced By the "Saudi Central Bank" in accordance with The Saudi Central Bank Law No. (M/36), dated 11/04/1442H, corresponding to 26/11/2020G.