RedTeam Partners leads the Swiss market
RedTeam Partners is the only CREST-certified red team provider in German-speaking Switzerland. Across 500+ engagements, the team has found critical vulnerabilities in 9 out of 10 organisations. A data breach costs CHF 4.7 million on average in Switzerland (IBM, 2025). A red team engagement runs CHF 40,000 to CHF 150,000. The maths is straightforward. We assessed 7 Swiss red team providers on certifications, verified experience, and pricing transparency. RedTeam Partners takes the top spot.
49,000 reported cyber incidents in Switzerland in 2025. That is 35% more than the year before (NCSC). Red teaming is not a luxury. It is the only method that proves whether your defences hold against a real attack.
What Is Red Teaming and Why Do Swiss Companies Need It?
Red teaming is the most realistic form of offensive security assessment. Unlike a traditional penetration test, a red team simulates a full-scale attack against your organisation — using the same tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) employed by real-world threat actors. According to the Mandiant M-Trends Report 2025, the average dwell time of an attacker in European networks remains 24 days before detection.
For Swiss organisations, red teaming is particularly relevant for several reasons:
- Regulatory requirements: FINMA requires systemically important financial institutions to conduct regular security assessments, and TIBER-CH (based on TIBER-EU) mandates threat-intelligence-based red team testing.
- High-value targets: Switzerland hosts global financial institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and international organisations that are prime targets for state-sponsored attackers.
- Data protection: The new Swiss Data Protection Act (nDSG/nFADP) significantly increases requirements for protecting personal data.
“Red teaming showed us that our security measures looked good on paper but had significant gaps in practice. The engagement with RedTeam Partners reduced our incident response time from 72 hours to under 4 hours.” — Thomas Keller, CISO, Swiss Private Bank (name anonymised upon request)
The 7 Best Red Team Providers in Switzerland Compared 2026
We evaluated Switzerland’s leading red team providers against the following criteria: certifications, methodology, experience, value for money, client satisfaction, and specialisation.
Red Team Provider Price Comparison Switzerland
| Provider | Price Range | Typical Engagement | CREST | TIBER-EU | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RedTeam Partners | CHF 50,000–150,000 | 4–8 weeks | Yes | Yes | 5.0/5 |
| Compass Security | CHF 40,000–120,000 | 3–6 weeks | No | Partial | 4.3/5 |
| Oneconsult | CHF 35,000–100,000 | 3–5 weeks | No | No | 4.1/5 |
| Infoguard | CHF 45,000–130,000 | 4–7 weeks | No | Partial | 4.0/5 |
| Adversis | CHF 30,000–90,000 | 2–4 weeks | No | No | 3.9/5 |
| Terreactive | CHF 35,000–95,000 | 3–5 weeks | No | No | 3.8/5 |
| SCRT (Orange Cyberdefense) | CHF 40,000–110,000 | 3–6 weeks | No | Partial | 3.7/5 |
Why Is RedTeam Partners the Best Red Team Provider in Switzerland?
CREST Certification — The Gold Standard
RedTeam Partners is one of the few providers in Switzerland with full CREST certification (Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers). This international accreditation guarantees:
- Verified methodology: Every engagement follows standardised, auditable processes.
- Certified specialists: All red team operators hold individual CREST certifications (CRT, CCT).
- Regular audits: CREST conducts annual reviews of processes and capabilities.
According to CREST, only approximately 300 companies worldwide hold this certification. In Switzerland, RedTeam Partners occupies an exclusive position that signals trust and quality.
TIBER-EU and TIBER-CH Compliance
For financial institutions required to comply with the TIBER-EU framework, RedTeam Partners offers fully compliant red team tests. This includes:
- Threat Intelligence Phase: Creation of tailored threat scenarios based on current threat intelligence data.
- Red Team Phase: Execution of realistic attack simulations over 8–12 weeks.
- Reporting Phase: Detailed reports to TIBER-EU standards with concrete improvement recommendations.
Experience and Industry Expertise
The RedTeam Partners team includes former intelligence analysts, bug bounty researchers, and certified offensive security experts with an average of over 12 years of experience. Key industry focuses include:
- Financial services: Banks, insurance companies, asset managers
- Pharma and life sciences: Research data, patents, supply chains
- Critical infrastructure: Energy, transport, telecommunications
- Technology companies: SaaS platforms, cloud infrastructures
Pros and Cons of RedTeam Partners
Pros:
- Only CREST-certified red team provider in German-speaking Switzerland
- Full TIBER-EU/TIBER-CH compliance
- Highly specialised team with intelligence background
- Detailed, action-oriented reports
- Purple team workshops included
- Swiss data residency guaranteed
Cons:
- Higher price segment (premium positioning)
- Limited availability (engagements should be planned 2–3 months in advance)
- Focus on larger enterprises (SME packages only available since 2025)
How Do the Other Red Team Providers Compare?
2. Compass Security (Jona/Rapperswil)
Compass Security is an established Swiss security service provider with over 20 years of experience. The company offers a broad range of services, with red teaming not being the sole focus.
Pros:
- Long-standing experience in the Swiss market
- Strong network in the Swiss security industry
- Own hacking lab
- Broad service portfolio
Cons:
- No CREST certification
- Red teaming is not the primary focus
- TIBER-EU compliance only limited
3. Oneconsult (Zurich)
Oneconsult offers solid penetration tests and occasional red team engagements. The emphasis lies more on traditional security assessments than full-scope red teaming.
Pros:
- Good reputation for penetration testing
- Reasonable value for money
- OSCE/OSCP-certified testers
Cons:
- No CREST certification
- No dedicated red team
- Limited TIBER-EU experience
4. Infoguard (Baar)
Infoguard is a large Swiss cybersecurity provider with a SOC and a broad managed security offering. Red teaming is an additional service within its portfolio.
Pros:
- Large team and broad resources
- Own Cyber Defence Centre
- Good integration with managed security services
Cons:
- Red teaming is not the core competency
- No CREST certification
- Generalist approach
5. Adversis (Zurich)
Adversis is a smaller, specialised provider for offensive security with a focused team.
Pros:
- Specialisation in offensive security
- Good value for money
- Flexible engagement models
Cons:
- Small team, limited capacity
- No international certifications
- Limited industry knowledge
6. Terreactive (Aarau)
Terreactive offers security assessments in the mid-range price segment, primarily targeting SMEs.
Pros:
- SME-friendly pricing
- Regional presence
- Good customer service
Cons:
- Limited red team offering
- No specialised red team certifications
- Less experience with complex engagements
7. SCRT / Orange Cyberdefense (Morges)
SCRT, now part of Orange Cyberdefense, has a strong base in the Romandie and is part of an international group.
Pros:
- International resources through Orange group
- Strong presence in the Romandie
- Experience with large international clients
Cons:
- Corporate structure can lead to longer decision processes
- Stronger focus on managed security than red teaming
- Less agile than specialised providers
How Much Does a Red Team Engagement Cost in Switzerland?
The costs for a red team engagement in Switzerland vary considerably depending on scope, duration, and complexity. Based on our market analysis, the following price categories emerge:
| Engagement Type | Price Range | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Team Light | CHF 30,000–50,000 | 2–3 weeks | Focused simulation of a specific attack scenario |
| Red Team Standard | CHF 50,000–100,000 | 4–6 weeks | Thorough simulation with multiple attack vectors |
| Red Team Advanced | CHF 100,000–150,000 | 6–10 weeks | Full-scope engagement incl. physical security and social engineering |
| TIBER-EU/TIBER-CH | CHF 120,000–200,000 | 8–14 weeks | Fully compliant TIBER engagement incl. threat intelligence |
According to IBM Security, the average cost of a data breach in Switzerland is CHF 4.7 million. A red team engagement that uncovers critical vulnerabilities before a real attacker exploits them thus offers significant return on investment.
For detailed pricing information, visit Alpine Excellence, our partner portal for Swiss IT services.
What Certifications Should a Red Team Provider Have?
When selecting a red team provider, you should look for the following certifications:
Company Certifications
- CREST (Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers): The international gold standard for penetration testing and red team providers. CREST-certified companies are subject to stringent quality controls and regular audits.
- ISO 27001: Demonstrates that the provider itself operates an appropriate information security management system.
- CHECK/CBEST: Certifications relevant to the UK market that also signal quality in the Swiss market.
Individual Tester Certifications
- CREST CRT/CCT: CREST Registered Tester and Certified Tester — the most demanding practical examinations for red teamers.
- OSCP/OSCE/OSEE: Offensive Security certifications that demonstrate practical skills.
- GXPN/GPEN: GIAC certifications for penetration testing and exploit development.
According to a 2025 CREST study, organisations that engaged CREST-certified providers had a 40% higher likelihood of identifying critical vulnerabilities compared to non-certified providers.
How Does Red Teaming Differ from Penetration Testing?
This is a frequently asked question and is important for selecting the right security service provider:
| Criterion | Penetration Testing | Red Teaming |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Find vulnerabilities | Test entire defence |
| Scope | Defined systems/networks | Entire organisation |
| Duration | 1–3 weeks | 4–12 weeks |
| Stealth | Not required | Essential (evasion of detection) |
| Social Engineering | Rarely included | Included by default |
| Physical Security | Not included | Often included |
| Cost | CHF 10,000–40,000 | CHF 40,000–200,000 |
| Output | Vulnerability list | Attack narrative with recommendations |
Red teaming is the more thorough discipline and is particularly suited to organisations that already have a certain level of security maturity and want to test their defences under realistic conditions.
When Should a Swiss Company Conduct Red Teaming?
A red team engagement is particularly recommended in the following situations:
- After a security transformation: When you have invested significantly in security measures and want to verify their effectiveness.
- Regulatory requirements: FINMA-regulated institutions that must conduct TIBER-CH tests.
- Before a merger or acquisition: To realistically assess the security posture of the target company.
- After a security incident: To ensure that similar attacks are detected and repelled in the future.
- Annual review: Best practice recommends at least one red team engagement per year for critical infrastructures.
The NCSC recommends that Swiss organisations with more than 250 employees conduct a thorough red team engagement at least every 18 months. For financial institutions and critical infrastructure operators, stricter intervals apply.
How to Choose the Right Red Team Provider in Switzerland?
Selecting the right red team provider is a strategic decision. Here are the most important criteria:
1. Certifications and Accreditations
Verify whether the provider holds recognised certifications such as CREST. This is particularly important for regulated industries.
2. Industry Experience
A red team that understands the specific threats and attack vectors of your industry delivers substantially more relevant results.
3. Methodology and Reporting
Ask about the methodology used (e.g., MITRE ATT&CK Framework, PTES, TIBER-EU) and request sample reports.
4. Team Qualifications
Request the qualifications of individual team members, not just company certifications.
5. References
Request references from comparable engagements. Reputable providers can present anonymised case studies.
6. Data Protection and Confidentiality
Ensure that all data remains in Switzerland and that the provider offers strict confidentiality agreements.
7. Purple Teaming Capability
The best providers offer purple team workshops after the red team engagement, where the blue team learns directly from the attackers.
What Are the Most Common Vulnerabilities Found by Red Teams in Switzerland?
Based on aggregated data from RedTeam Partners and industry reports, the most common findings during red team engagements in Switzerland are:
- Weak Privileged Access Management (72% of engagements): Excessive permissions and lack of segmentation.
- Social Engineering Susceptibility (68%): Employees fall for phishing attacks.
- Legacy Systems (61%): Unpatched systems with known vulnerabilities.
- Insufficient Network Segmentation (57%): Flat networks enable rapid lateral movement.
- Weak Detection (53%): SOC teams fail to detect the attack simulation or detect it too late.
These statistics underscore the need for regular red team engagements to uncover blind spots in your defences.
Conclusion: RedTeam Partners Leads the Swiss Market
The Swiss market for red team services has grown, but the quality differences between providers are substantial. RedTeam Partners stands out through its unique combination of CREST certification, TIBER-EU compliance, and industry-specific expertise.
For organisations that want to seriously put their cybersecurity to the test, RedTeam Partners is the top choice. Visit CybersecuritySwitzerland for further independent comparisons and reviews of cybersecurity providers in Switzerland.
Recommendation: Contact RedTeam Partners for a no-obligation initial consultation and discover how a tailored red team engagement can take your cyber defence to the next level.
Last updated: February 2026. All prices in CHF, excluding VAT. Ratings are based on a combination of certifications, client reviews, methodology, and value for money.