What most red team professionals won't tell you
Read this before you aspire to become a red team professional.
Imagine being a professional stunt performer. The job looks exciting—adrenaline rush, high-stakes action, and pulling off impressive feats. But behind the scenes, it takes relentless practice, physical exhaustion, and the constant risk of injury. Red teaming in cybersecurity is similar. It’s thrilling, intellectually stimulating, and highly rewarding, but it comes with its own set downsides.
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Burnout
The biggest reason for burnout in red teaming is the mental and emotional exhaustion that comes with high-pressure engagements. Red team operators are constantly working against tight deadlines, solving complex security challenges, and trying to think one step ahead of defenders. Each engagement demands creativity, technical expertise, and persistence. This constant demand can drain even the most passionate professionals.
Another major stress factor is the need to stay updated. Technology, security defenses, and detection capabilities evolve rapidly. Attack techniques that worked yesterday might be useless tomorrow. Red team professionals must dedicate time outside of work to researching new vulnerabilities, tools, and tactics—often at the cost of personal time and mental well-being.
Therefore, unlike other cybersecurity roles, red teaming is not something most professionals should do for decades. The burnout factor is real, and staying in the role too long can take a toll on mental health and job satisfaction. Many seasoned red teamers transition into other roles, such as security consulting, blue teaming, or threat hunting, where they can use their experience without the constant pressure of offensive engagements.
Work-life balance
Many red team professionals find themselves working odd hours, especially if engagements involve stealth operations that mimic real-world adversaries. Late-night testing, weekend work, and unexpected roadblocks can make it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The job can consume personal time, leading to stress and relationship struggles.
Imposter syndrome
Even experienced red team professionals struggle with imposter syndrome. Sometimes, engagements don’t go as planned—not because of a lack of skill, but because the target organization has strong defenses. Yet, many red teamers feel like they are failing if they don’t achieve their objectives. This pressure can make red teaming mentally exhausting.
Ethical and legal risks
Another factor that isn’t talked about enough is the ethical and legal weight of the job. Red team professionals must walk a fine line between legal hacking and criminal activity. A simple mistake—testing outside the agreed scope or mishandling client data—can have serious consequences. The constant need for caution and strict adherence to rules adds another layer of stress to the job.
Not an entry-level role
Many people aspire to be in a red team from day one, thinking it’s the ultimate cybersecurity job. However, red teaming is not an entry-level role. It requires a strong foundation in IT, networking, programming, and cybersecurity fundamentals. Before someone can effectively break into systems, they need to understand how those systems work.
Yet, many beginners chase certifications as a shortcut to a red team job. While certifications like OSCP, CRTO, or OSEP can help, they are not a golden ticket. Employers look for practical skills, not just certifications. Building hands-on experience through labs, home labs, Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges, and real-world security research is far more valuable than collecting certs.
Red Team Notes
Red teaming is thrilling but demanding. You should understand downsides of a red team career before opting for one:
- High-pressure engagements and the need to stay constantly updated lead to mental exhaustion.
- Unpredictable hours and stealth operations often interfere with personal life and well-being.
- Even skilled red teamers can feel inadequate when engagements don’t go as planned.
- The job requires strict adherence to rules, as small mistakes can have serious consequences.
- It’s not an entry-level role, and practical skills matter more than just certifications.Follow my journey of 100 Days of Red Team on WhatsApp, Telegram or Discord.