Performing Threat Emulation With Atomic Red Team

---
name: performing-threat-emulation-with-atomic-red-team
description: 'Executes Atomic Red Team tests for MITRE ATT&CK technique validation using the atomic-operator Python framework.
  Loads test definitions from YAML atomics, runs attack simulations, and validates detection coverage. Use when testing SIEM
  detection rules, validating EDR coverage, or conducting purple team exercises.

  '
domain: cybersecurity
subdomain: threat-intelligence
tags:
- performing
- threat
- emulation
- with
version: '1.0'
author: mahipal
license: Apache-2.0
nist_ai_rmf:
- MEASURE-2.7
- MAP-5.1
- MANAGE-2.4
atlas_techniques:
- AML.T0070
- AML.T0066
- AML.T0082
d3fend_techniques:
- Executable Denylisting
- Execution Isolation
- File Metadata Consistency Validation
- Content Format Conversion
- File Content Analysis
nist_csf:
- ID.RA-01
- ID.RA-05
- DE.CM-01
- DE.AE-02
---

# Performing Threat Emulation with Atomic Red Team


## When to Use

- When conducting security assessments that involve performing threat emulation with atomic red team
- When following incident response procedures for related security events
- When performing scheduled security testing or auditing activities
- When validating security controls through hands-on testing

## Prerequisites

- Familiarity with threat intelligence concepts and tools
- Access to a test or lab environment for safe execution
- Python 3.8+ with required dependencies installed
- Appropriate authorization for any testing activities

## Instructions

Use atomic-operator to execute Atomic Red Team tests and validate detection coverage
against MITRE ATT&CK techniques.

```python
from atomic_operator import AtomicOperator

operator = AtomicOperator()
# Run a specific technique test
operator.run(
    technique="T1059.001",  # PowerShell execution
    atomics_path="./atomic-red-team/atomics",
)
```

Key workflow:
1. Clone the atomic-red-team repository for test definitions
2. Select ATT&CK techniques matching your detection rules
3. Execute atomic tests using atomic-operator
4. Check SIEM/EDR for corresponding alerts
5. Document detection gaps and update rules

## Examples

```python
# Parse atomic test YAML definitions
import yaml
with open("atomics/T1059.001/T1059.001.yaml") as f:
    tests = yaml.safe_load(f)
for test in tests.get("atomic_tests", []):
    print(f"Test: {test['name']}")
    print(f"  Platforms: {test.get('supported_platforms', [])}")
```