How Threat Intelligence Helps You Navigate the TIBER-EU Framework

What is TIBER-EU and Why Does It Matter?

TIBER-EU (Threat Intelligence-Based Ethical Red Teaming) is widely recognized as a leading framework for simulating cyberattacks against critical financial infrastructure across the EU. Unlike traditional pen testing, it replicates the tactics of real-world threat actors to uncover how far adversaries could go if they truly came after you.

It’s not just about defense, it’s about understanding your actual exposure from the attacker’s perspective.

How Does the TIBER-EU Process Work?

The TIBER-EU framework unfolds across three structured phases, each designed to simulate real-world cyber threats while maintaining control and oversight:

• Preparation Phase:
  In this phase, the organization defines the scope of the engagement, identifies critical functions and systems, and ensures alignment with National Competent Authorities (NCAs) and regulators. Threat intelligence providers play a key role here, delivering sector-specific intelligence to shape realistic attack scenarios.
• Testing Phase:
  Guided by the threat intelligence collected earlier, a red team mimics the Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) of real-world threat actors. The goal is to compromise agreed-upon critical systems without tipping off defenders. Throughout this phase, blue teams remain unaware, making detection and response evaluations highly authentic.
• Closure Phase:
  Post-exercise, findings are reviewed collaboratively among all stakeholders, including red and blue teams, intelligence partners, and regulators. The results are used to identify systemic vulnerabilities, recommend mitigations, and improve detection and response capabilities. In some cases, a replay or “purple teaming” session is performed to validate improvements.

TIBER-EU is more than a red team test—it’s a full-spectrum security validation program that mirrors the complexity of today’s threat landscape. When executed properly, it delivers unparalleled visibility into an organization’s real-world resilience.

Why TIBER-EU Fails Without Real Threat Intelligence

TIBER-EU isn’t effective without relevant, timely, and tailored threat intelligence. Here’s what threat intelligence brings to the table:

• Maps adversary TTPs to the organization’s attack surface using frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK
• Identifies threat actors that have historically targeted similar institutions
• Uncovers asset exposure on the surface, deep, and dark web
• Correlates regional threats and campaign trends with your digital footprint

Without real intelligence, it’s just guesswork. TIBER-EU demands precision, not assumption.

How SOCRadar Adds Value to Your TIBER-EU Engagement

SOCRadar is uniquely positioned to supercharge your TIBER-EU or TLPT program:

TIBER-EU starts with knowing who might target you. SOCRadar shows you exactly that, and more.

Is TIBER-EU Compliance Mandatory for All?

Not across the board, but in countries like the Netherlands (where the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) has implemented the TIBER-NL program for financial institutions), Germany, Ireland, and others, TIBER-EU (or national versions like TIBER-NL) is increasingly being required for systemically important institutions.

Even where it’s not required, it’s quickly becoming a cybersecurity maturity benchmark.

Who Should Lead and Be Involved in a TIBER-EU Project?

A successful TIBER-EU exercise requires collaboration between:

• CISO / Cybersecurity Leadership
• Red & Blue Teams
• Threat Intelligence Partners
• Legal, Compliance & Executive Stakeholders
• Regulatory Authorities (when applicable)

What Are the Strategic Benefits of TIBER-EU?

• Reveals real vulnerabilities threat actors could exploit
• Improves SOC and IR team performance under pressure
• Enhances cross-functional communication and response
• Strengthens regulatory posture and stakeholder trust
• Provides measurable KPIs for cyber resilience
  • E.G. MTTD (mean time to detect), MTTR (mean time to respond), red team detection rates, and effectiveness of containment actions

The outcome? Resilience that’s tested, proven, and regulator-ready.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Prepare. Simulate, Learn, Evolve

Financial institutions can no more afford to wait for an attack to discover their weaknesses. TIBER-EU offers a realistic lens into your defenses, and threat intelligence ensures it’s laser-focused on what matters most.

With SOCRadar as your trusted threat intelligence partner, you’re not just running a test, you’re building a strategic advantage.

For more on how real-world threat intelligence, especially from dark web sources, can elevate red teaming and penetration testing, explore our whitepaper and accompanying blog post.

Ready to align your organization with TIBER-EU standards and go beyond compliance? [Book a Demo] to see how SOCRadar can guide your journey.