How to become a red teamer

How to become a Red Teamer

Becoming a red teamer involves a combination of education, experience, and specialized skills. Here is a general path you can follow to pursue a career as a red teamer:

• Obtain a Solid Foundation in Cybersecurity: Obtain a solid educational foundation in cyber security, computer science, information technology, or a related field. This will provide you with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills in areas such as network security, system administration, cryptography, and programming.
• Gain Experience in IT and Security: It's important to gain practical experience in IT and security roles to develop a solid understanding of systems, networks, and common security practices. Consider working in entry-level positions such as a system administrator, network analyst, or security analyst. This experience will help you grasp the operational aspects of IT infrastructure and familiarize you with security principles and practices.
• Pursue Professional Certifications: Earning industry-recognized certifications can enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers (see below).
• Develop Technical Skills: Red teamers require strong technical skills in areas such as penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, network security, and exploit development. Focus on acquiring proficiency in tools and techniques commonly used by red teamers, such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, Wireshark, and various scripting languages. Hands-on experience with different operating systems and familiarity with virtualization technologies is also valuable.
• Deepen Knowledge in Adversarial Techniques: Red teamers need to understand the mindset and techniques employed by real-world attackers. Stay updated with the latest attack vectors, malware trends, social engineering tactics, and emerging security threats. This can be achieved by attending conferences, participating in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions, engaging in bug bounties, and actively studying and researching cybersecurity topics.
• Specialize in Red Teaming: To specialize in red teaming, seek out opportunities to gain experience in conducting red team assessments. This can be done through internships, apprenticeships, or junior positions in organizations that have dedicated red teaming teams or by joining red teaming service providers. Practical experience in simulating attacks, conducting vulnerability assessments, and providing actionable recommendations is crucial to becoming an effective red teamer.
• Continuously Learn and Grow: The field of cybersecurity is ever-evolving, so it's essential to stay up-to-date with the latest tools, techniques, and industry trends. Continuously expand your knowledge, explore new attack vectors, and pursue advanced certifications or specialized training programs to enhance your skills and expertise.
• Networking with professionals in the industry, joining cybersecurity communities, and actively participating in conferences and events can also provide valuable insights and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.

Certifications
There are several certifications available that can enhance the skills and credibility of aspiring red teamers. Here are some notable certifications that are widely recognized in the industry:

• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): Offered by Offensive Security, the OSCP is a highly regarded certification that focuses on practical penetration testing skills. It requires candidates to pass a rigorous hands-on exam where they must exploit systems and networks to gain access to designated targets.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): The CEH certification, offered by the EC-Council, validates a candidate's knowledge of ethical hacking methodologies and tools. It covers topics such as reconnaissance, vulnerability analysis, system hacking, and penetration testing techniques.
• Certified Red Team Operator (CRTOP): This certification, provided by the Red Team Alliance, is designed specifically for red teaming professionals. It covers aspects such as red team operations, adversarial emulation, social engineering, and post-exploitation techniques.
• Certified Expert Penetration Tester (CEPT): Offered by the Information Assurance Certification Review Board (IACRB), the CEPT certification is geared toward experienced penetration testers. It assesses candidates' skills in conducting in-depth penetration testing assessments, including vulnerability identification, exploitation, and reporting.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Although not specific to red teaming, the CISSP certification, offered by (ISC)², is widely recognized and covers a broad range of security domains. It demonstrates a candidate's proficiency in various security areas, including risk management, access control, cryptography, and security operations.
• GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN): Offered by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), the GXPN certification focuses on advanced penetration testing and exploit development skills. It validates a candidate's ability to analyze and exploit vulnerabilities in systems and networks.
• Certified Red Team Professional (CRTP): The CRTP certification, provided by Pentester Academy, is a comprehensive certification program that covers both technical and non-technical aspects of red teaming. It includes topics such as network and web application penetration testing, social engineering, and red team operations.