Have you ever wondered which degree would best help you join a red team? If yes, you’re not alone. I have analyzed this question thoroughly and am eager to share my findings. If you are not aware, a red team is a group that attempts unauthorized intrusions against computer systems, humans (socially or psychologically), or physical environments, like buildings, purely for testing purposes.
Understanding the Role of Red Teamers
Professional red teamers aim to perform intrusions against an organization to identify vulnerabilities and report back, thereby helping the organization increase their security posture. Red teaming can involve various disciplines, such as technical red teaming, human factor assessments, and physical assessments.
- Technical Red Teaming: Mainly includes intrusions and break-ins into computer systems.
- Human Factor Assessments: This is essentially social engineering, i.e., tricking people to extract sensitive information.
- Physical Assessments: This involves physical penetration testing, like breaking into a building or attempting to gain physical access to a restricted area.
Red Teaming Degrees from WGU
The Western Governors University (WGU) offers several degrees that can prepare students for a career in red teaming. For those who are not sure which specific discipline they want to work on, WGU offers two suitable degree options:
- Bachelor’s of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance: This specific degree offers a methodology course on red team or penetration testing, making it a practical degree for aspiring red teamers.
- Network Engineering and Security Degree: This program provides a balanced blend of computer science and cybersecurity, making it a suitable option for those interested in coding and cryptography.
Choosing a Degree According to your Interest
If you are certain about which red teaming discipline you want to work in, you can choose from two main groups: software-related and everything else. Here’s a recommended pick for each:
- For Software Related Work: If you know you want to work on software in some capacity, choose a degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering.
- For Non-Software Related Work: If you want to work in a non-software-related area of red teaming, your best bet would be the Cybersecurity and Information Assurance degree, as it provides a broad foundation in cybersecurity as a whole.
Real-world Education of Red Teamers
Through a brief analysis of some professional red teamers on LinkedIn, (see link below for Red team holders) I made some interesting observations:
- Every individual had at least an Associate degree, with the majority owning Bachelor’s degrees.
- The majority had degrees in computer science, including degrees from WGU.
First 25 “Red Team” Degree Holders
In conclusion, while your choice of degree is key, remember that red teaming typically requires additional self-study and certificates to develop your skill set fully. Watch the comprehensive employability framework video to understand better how to work your way into the red team and what the steps entail. Stay committed to learning, and soon, you will be well on your way to a successful career in red teaming! I hope this analysis has been useful, and I look forward to seeing you next time.
By the way, don’t forget to check out my Hands-On IT and Cybersecurity Course to help you bridge the gap between just being skilled and actually landing a job!