Dennis Van Elst

Red Team Operations Lead - Global Offensive Operations - Strikeforce at DXC Technology

Belgium

About

I drive advanced adversary emulation exercises that empower organizations to proactively identify and mitigate vulnerabilities. By leading both Red and Purple Team operations, I ensure that our engagements simulate realistic threat scenarios and seamlessly integrate offensive insights with defensive strategies, ultimately enhancing the overall security posture of our clients. Key highlights of my role include: - Advanced Red Team Operations: Planning and executing sophisticated offensive exercises that mimic current threat actors’ tactics, techniques, and procedures. - Integrated Purple Team Initiatives: Bridging the gap between offensive and defensive security by coordinating closely with blue teams to deliver actionable insights and bolster overall resilience. - Customer-Focused Solutions: Develop tailored offensive security engagements that not only challenge existing defenses but also deliver measurable improvements, helping our customers stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. - Strategic Leadership & Mentorship: Guiding and mentoring team members, driving continuous innovation in tools and methodologies, and fostering a culture of hands-on learning and operational excellence. - Global Offensive Capabilities: Spearheading global operations that not only challenge existing security measures but also contribute to the evolution of industry best practices in offensive cybersecurity. With a passion for hands-on, real-world security challenges, I am committed to helping organizations fortify their defenses against advanced cyber threats while delivering clear, actionable results. My approach ensures that our clients gain not only a deeper understanding of their vulnerabilities but also the strategic insight necessary to build a more secure future.

Experience

  • DXC Technology (8 yrs 10 mos)
    • Red Team Operations Lead - Global Offensive Operations - Strikeforce
      Jan 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 6 mos

      I drive advanced adversary emulation exercises that empower organizations to proactively identify and mitigate vulnerabilities. By leading both Red and Purple Team operations, I ensure that our engagements simulate realistic threat scenarios and seamlessly integrate offensive insights with defensive strategies, ultimately enhancing the overall security posture of our clients. Key highlights of my role include: - Advanced Red Team Operations: Planning and executing sophisticated offensive exercises that mimic current threat actors’ tactics, techniques, and procedures. - Integrated Purple Team Initiatives: Bridging the gap between offensive and defensive security by coordinating closely with blue teams to deliver actionable insights and bolster overall resilience. - Customer-Focused Solutions: Develop tailored offensive security engagements that not only challenge existing defenses but also deliver measurable improvements, helping our customers stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. - Strategic Leadership & Mentorship: Guiding and mentoring team members, driving continuous innovation in tools and methodologies, and fostering a culture of hands-on learning and operational excellence. - Global Offensive Capabilities: Spearheading global operations that not only challenge existing security measures but also contribute to the evolution of industry best practices in offensive cybersecurity. With a passion for hands-on, real-world security challenges, I am committed to helping organizations fortify their defenses against advanced cyber threats while delivering clear, actionable results. My approach ensures that our clients gain not only a deeper understanding of their vulnerabilities but also the strategic insight necessary to build a more secure future.

    • DXC Campus Ambassador
      Aug 2018 - Present · 7 yrs 11 mos

      The DXC Campus Ambassador program focuses on building lasting partnerships with Universities and Colleges throughout Belgium. A Campus Ambassador serves as a point of contact and interaction between the partnered university and DXC.

    • Security Consultant - Threat and Vulnerability Management
      Feb 2018 - Dec 2021 · 3 yrs 11 mos

  • Offensive Security Instructor at Thomas More
    Sep 2019 - Present · 6 yrs 10 mos

    I teach second bachelor students the fundamentals of auditing their own applications and infrastructure. The sessions include hands-on training, learning how malicious actors operate and how to detect a breach. Third bachelor students engage in simulated red vs blue team exercises.

  • Training Instructor at BruCON
    Sep 2025 - Sep 2025 · 1 mo

    Delivered the Operational Purple Teaming for Defenders training at the conference: https://red.0xbad53c.com/training/operational-purple-teaming-for-defenders

  • Training Instructor at Black Hat
    Aug 2025 - Aug 2025 · 1 mo

    Delivered the Operational Purple Teaming for Defenders training at the conference: https://red.0xbad53c.com/training/operational-purple-teaming-for-defenders

  • Training Instructor at TROOPERS Conference & Workshops
    Jun 2025 - Jun 2025 · 1 mo

    Delivered the Operational Purple Teaming for Defenders training at the conference: https://red.0xbad53c.com/training/operational-purple-teaming-for-defenders