How to Start Red Teaming: Resources and YouTube Channels for Beginners

Introduction to Red Teaming

Red teaming is an advanced cybersecurity practice that simulates real-world cyberattacks to test an organization’s defenses, detection capabilities, and response mechanisms. Unlike penetration testing, which focuses on finding vulnerabilities, red teaming adopts a threat-led approach, mimicking the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) of adversaries. For beginners, starting a career in red teaming requires a solid foundation in cybersecurity, hands-on practice, and access to quality learning resources. This article provides a step-by-step guide, essential tools, and recommended YouTube channels to help you begin your red teaming journey.

What Is Red Teaming?

Red teaming involves acting as an adversary to identify weaknesses in systems, networks, or processes. It tests not only technical defenses but also human factors and incident response capabilities. Red teaming often includes social engineering, physical security testing, and advanced persistent threat (APT) simulations. It requires a deep understanding of attacker mindsets and tools like Metasploit, Cobalt Strike, and PowerShell.

Steps to Start Red Teaming as a Beginner

Red teaming is not an entry-level role; it typically requires experience in penetration testing or system administration. However, beginners can build a strong foundation with the following steps:

1. Build Foundational Cybersecurity Knowledge

Start by learning networking, operating systems (Windows and Linux), and basic security concepts like the CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability). Recommended resources include:

• CompTIA Security+: A beginner-friendly certification covering cybersecurity basics.
• TryHackMe: Offers interactive labs for learning networking and hacking fundamentals.
• Professor Messer’s YouTube Channel: Provides free Security+ tutorials, ideal for beginners.

Example Command: Learn to enumerate network services with nmap:

nmap -sV -p- 192.168.1.1

This command scans all ports on a target IP to identify services and versions.

2. Gain Penetration Testing Experience

Red teaming builds on penetration testing skills. Practice using platforms like Hack The Box (HTB) or TryHackMe to master tools and techniques. Aim for certifications like Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).

Example Tool Usage: Use Metasploit to exploit vulnerabilities:

msfconsole
use exploit/windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue
set RHOSTS 192.168.1.100
exploit

This exploits the EternalBlue vulnerability on a Windows system.

3. Learn Red Teaming Techniques

Study advanced TTPs based on the MITRE ATT&CK framework, including lateral movement, privilege escalation, and persistence. Resources like GitHub’s Awesome Red Teaming list provide curated tools and guides.

Example Technique: Perform lateral movement with PowerShell:

Enter-PSSession -ComputerName target_machine -Credential (Get-Credential)

This command establishes a remote session on another machine in the same domain.

4. Practice in Safe Environments

Use virtual labs like HTB, TryHackMe, or VulnHub to simulate red team engagements. Start with assumed breach scenarios to focus on post-exploitation tactics.

5. Develop a Red Teaming Mindset

Red teaming requires creativity, persistence, and an adversary’s perspective. Study real-world attack scenarios and practice OPSEC (Operations Security) to avoid detection. Join communities like Reddit’s r/redteamsec for insights and discussions.

Top YouTube Channels for Learning Red Teaming

YouTube is a valuable resource for beginners, offering tutorials, walkthroughs, and real-world insights. Below are top channels for learning red teaming:

1. Hack The Box

Overview: Hack The Box’s YouTube channel offers tutorials on penetration testing, red teaming, and capture-the-flag (CTF) challenges. It’s ideal for hands-on learners.

• Content: Walkthroughs of HTB machines, tool demos (e.g., Nmap, Burp Suite), and red team strategies.
• Why Watch? Practical demos and beginner-friendly explanations.
• Link: Hack The Box YouTube

2. TryHackMe

Overview: TryHackMe’s channel provides beginner-friendly tutorials on cybersecurity and red teaming, aligned with their learning platform.

• Content: Guides on MITRE ATT&CK, privilege escalation, and tools like Kali Linux.
• Why Watch? Structured content for beginners and free labs to follow along.
• Link: TryHackMe YouTube

3. TCM Security

Overview: TCM Security focuses on practical ethical hacking and red teaming, with affordable courses and free YouTube content.

• Content: Tutorials on social engineering, Active Directory attacks, and red team tools like Cobalt Strike.
• Why Watch? Real-world scenarios and career advice for aspiring red teamers.
• Link: TCM Security YouTube

4. John Hammond

Overview: John Hammond, a cybersecurity professional, shares engaging tutorials on hacking, CTFs, and red teaming.

• Content: Walkthroughs of HTB and TryHackMe challenges, tool demos, and red team techniques.
• Why Watch? Clear explanations and enthusiasm make complex topics accessible.
• Link: John Hammond YouTube

5. The Cyber Mentor

Overview: The Cyber Mentor offers free and paid content on ethical hacking, certifications, and red teaming.

• Content: Guides on OSCP prep, red team tools, and practical hacking labs.
• Why Watch? Structured lessons and actionable tips for beginners.
• Link: The Cyber Mentor YouTube

Starting a Red Teaming YouTube Channel

Creating a YouTube channel to share red teaming knowledge can enhance your learning and build your reputation. Here’s how to start:

1. Define Your Niche

Focus on a specific area of red teaming, such as Active Directory attacks or social engineering. A narrow niche helps attract a targeted audience.

2. Set Up Your Channel

Create a Google account and set up a YouTube channel via YouTube Studio. Use Canva to design a professional banner and logo. Recommended dimensions: banner (2048x1152px), logo (150x150px).

Example: Create a banner in Canva:

Visit Canva.com, select YouTube Banner template, customize with brand colors and logo, download as PNG.

3. Plan Engaging Content

Create beginner-friendly tutorials, tool demos, or CTF walkthroughs. Use a script or outline to stay focused. Ensure royalty-free background music to avoid copyright issues.

4. Equipment and Setup

Use a decent microphone (e.g., USB condenser mic) and good lighting (e.g., ring light). Record screen demos using software like OBS Studio or ScreenPal.

Example OBS Setup:

Install OBS Studio, add Display Capture source, set audio input to USB mic, record in MP4 format.

5. Promote Your Channel

Share videos on cybersecurity forums like Reddit’s r/redteamsec and Twitter. Use YouTube Analytics to optimize upload times and content based on viewer demographics.

Additional Red Teaming Resources

Supplement your learning with these resources:

• MITRE ATT&CK Framework – Comprehensive guide to adversary TTPs.
• Hack The Box – Practice red teaming in virtual labs.
• TryHackMe – Beginner-friendly cybersecurity labs.
• Awesome Red Teaming – Curated list of tools and guides.
• r/redteamsec – Community for red teaming discussions.

Conclusion: Launch Your Red Teaming Journey

Starting a career in red teaming requires dedication, technical skills, and a strategic approach to learning. By leveraging platforms like TryHackMe and Hack The Box, studying the MITRE ATT&CK framework, and following YouTube channels like Hack The Box, TryHackMe, and TCM Security, beginners can build a strong foundation. Creating a YouTube channel to share your knowledge can further enhance your skills and visibility. Begin with small, legal, and ethical steps, and progress toward advanced red teaming expertise to contribute to a safer digital world.