You’ve probably heard of “black hat” and “white hat” hackers, but what exactly is a “red hat hacker”? Red Hat is a relatively new term that denotes a very specific type of hacker with very specific goals. Even though cybercriminals are scared of the phrase and law enforcement has mixed feelings about it, in this article, we’ll discuss what it takes to become a red hat hacker, the salary, and some real-world examples of these hackers in action.
Red Hat Hacker: Overview
In the past few years, the world of information technology has grown a lot. This means it is now possible for hackers to get to private data by taking advantage of security holes. A report from the US government says that these types of attacks are becoming more common.
Another thing that this behavior has led to is the creation of an illegal counterforce. People who are ethical hackers are allowed to go after people who are committing these crimes. However, there is another group that wants to join in, but they don’t always have permission to.
Keep reading to find out about the people who are at the front lines of computer security, from the good-hearted “white hats” to the bad-tempered “black hats.” Also, there are the “red hats,” or people who want to get back at the bad guys and will do anything to do it.
What is a Red Hat hacker?
Red hat hackers, sometimes known simply as “red hats,” are essentially computer sleuths. Red-hat hackers use their hacking skills to acquire an edge over black-hat hackers in battle. White hat hackers, who create security software, counteract the efforts of black hat hackers. However, red hat hackers indirectly target black hackers.
A red hat hacker typically operates independently. However, these cybercriminals frequently coordinate their efforts. However, government organizations or cybersecurity firms rarely employ red hats.
To the untrained eye, red-hat hackers’ cyberattacks look anything but legitimate. Many people in the IT industry have no idea what red hats are or what penetration testing is. Red-hat hackers, however, believe in IT justice and hence continue to wage full-scale attacks against black hat hackers despite this.
What is a Red Hat hacker?: Examples
It’s not hard to explain what a “red hat” hacker is and how they work. A little more work needs to be done to find real-life examples of red hat hacking. The media likes to focus on stories that show how bad black hat activities are. Some people have also asked if the idea of “red hat” wearers is more of a myth than a fact. The examples that follow will help you understand who they are and how they work.
#1. Anonymous Attack on Child Pornography
Anonymous first came to light in 2003. The notorious hacker group has been busy and in the news ever since, taking credit for a wide range of high-profile security holes. However, one case has a certain crimson-hued angle.
Anonymous began Operation Darknet in 2011 as a campaign against dark web sites that hosted child pornography. Lolita City was the biggest child pornography site on the dark side of the web at the time of the attack. The group was able to crash the computers they were attacking with a DDoS attack. This left site owners open to other attacks while they worked to get services back online. Additionally, Anonymous leaked the usernames of about 1600 registered users from Lolita City alone. As a result of the attack, Lolita City and many other places were shut down for good.
#2. The Revenge of Ghost Exodus
Jesse McGraw, who goes by the name Ghost Exodus, seems to be a lot less serious about red-hat hacking. In 2011, he got nine years in federal jail for hacking into the computer system at the nursing station at North Central Medical Plaza, where he worked as an overnight security guard. He is now in charge of GhostExodus.org, a website that teaches people how to avoid hacking.
#3. Scammer Payback
The YouTube account Scammer Payback might be the best example so far. The channel’s owner is determined to fight cybercriminals while also having fun. Video has been his tool since 2019 to show scammers that they aren’t always as smart as they seem. As the name suggests, Scammer Payback is about the classic con artist—the con artist with a smile who uses lies to steal from weak people. The accounts do everything from finding out where hackers are to recovering stolen money and sending it back to the victims. More importantly, they show how a normal red-hat hacker works.
After reading through all of their written work, Scammer Payback is very open and honest. Most videos give a full account of how different tricksters were stopped. Also, some videos are live streams that let viewers see these interactions happen in real-time. The openness can be seen in the ways that con artists are caught.
What is a Red Hat hacker?: Types
The world of cybersecurity is full of different types of hackers. A color-coded system has been created to help organize the diversity that exists within the community.
#1. White Hat Hacker
Someone who is hired by a business to look for security holes is called a “white hat hacker.” Many of the hacking tricks used by bad guys are also used by white hat hackers. Since white hats are trained to find problems with security systems and fix them, they offer their services.
#2. Black Hat Hacker
Black hat hackers are bad guys who break into computer systems to harm. To access private data, steal money, or delete important data, black hat hackers fight with white hat hackers.
#3. Green Hat Hacker
Hackers who use “green hats” are novices. “Script kiddies” is what people in the hacking world call them. This word refers to a hacker who isn’t very good at what they do and uses scripts made by other hackers to get into computer systems and programs. Most people know that green hats can’t write their complex programs just yet.
#4. Blue Hat Hacker
Blue-hat hackers are security professionals whom a company hires or asks to test new software and find bugs in it before it goes live for everyone. For instance, Microsoft often asks “blue hats” to hacker conferences to test its Windows software. Blue-hat hackers use penetration testing and other types of cyberattacks to find bugs and weak spots in software that can be fixed to make the end product better.
#5. Grey Hat Hacker
In between white hat and black hat hacking, grey hat hackers are located. Put another way, these people may break the law and ethical hacking rules, but that doesn’t mean they are doing it on purpose. Grey hats often have the same skills as white hats, but they will break into a system without permission. Grey hat hackers, unlike white hat hackers, don’t always tell you how to fix the problem.
How to Become a Red Hat Hacker
Becoming an ethical hacker necessitates having a wide range of skills and keeping up with the latest hacking and safety trends. Cybersecurity professionals must be very good at scripting or programming languages like Python, JavaScript, HTML, JSP, ASP, C/C++, and SQL if they want to work in this area. For this reason, you also need to know a lot about networking and operating systems like Windows, Linux, and Kali Linux.
How to Become a Red Hat Hacker: Step-by-step Guide
If you desire to be a red hat hacker, that means you want to become an ethical hacker. Here is how you can get started:
#1. Education
Hands-on learning and practice in the real world are the best ways to learn about the things listed above. Aspiring red hat hackers can join several training programs. However, it’s important to pick one that prepares you to solve real-world cybersecurity problems, rather than one that just teaches you theory.
The CSULB Cybersecurity Professional Certificate Program goes beyond the basics to give all students, no matter what level of skill or background they have, real-world experience and skills in cybersecurity. Security professionals who are also working in the field instruct students. This gives them a well-rounded education that prepares them to start working in the field after they graduate.
#2. Qualifications and Certifications
After learning what you need to know to work in cybersecurity, you can put your skills to the test by taking exams for the top certifications that the biggest tech companies in the world want. Employers will know that you are prepared for ethical hacking jobs if you have these certifications:
- Prerequisites
Network+
CompTIA Security+
Linux LPI essentials
- Requisites (at least one)
(EC-Council) CEH — Certified Ethical Hacker
(SANS) GPEN
(CompTIA) Pentest+
- Optional
CHFI: Computer Hacking and Forensic Investigator We recommend this certification if you’re interested in Blue Team positions.
- Advanced
OSCP: Offensive Security Certified Professional Those who go for OSCP can display the practical experience of attack methods on systems and devices essential to working in today’s cybersecurity teams. They also prove to be well-versed in discovering vulnerabilities due to software or hardware flaws or configuration blunders.
In addition to that, keep in mind that while getting certifications on your own is possible, a training program that teaches you the basics of security will help you get ready for the challenges you’ll face daily while working in a cybersecurity role, beyond those covered in the exams.
Red Hat Hacker Salary
With an average salary of $108,557 per year, a red hat hacker is expected to earn $133,500 annually in the United States. Based on incomes submitted by our users, these numbers show the median, which is the middle point of the ranges from our own Total Pay Estimate model.
The extra pay is expected to be $24,944 per year. Bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing are all examples of extra pay. There are values in the “Most Likely Range” that are between the 25th and 75th percentiles of all the pay data for this job.
Red Hat Hacker Salary: Common Factors That Impact Salary Potential
The salary of a red hat hacker varies a lot, which means there may be many chances to move up and get paid more based on:
#1. Experience
One of the most important things that determines your salary as a red hat hacker is how much experience you have. Every year they work, ethical hackers might see a pay increase. Take, for instance, Glassdoor’s report on the US median yearly salary by years of experience:
- 0–1 year experience: $79,919
- 1-3 years experience: $91,469
- 4-6 years experience: $105,138
- 7-9 years experience: $113,517
#2. The Education System
In general, having a greater education tends to lead to higher salaries. 69 percent of job postings for penetration and vulnerability tests require at least a bachelor’s degree, and 22 percent require at least a master’s degree. Higher-paying jobs as an ethical hacker might be possible if you have a graduate degree. However, this depends on the company and your background.
#3. Qualifications and Certifications
Ethical hacking or cybersecurity certification can show employers that you’re good at what you do, which could lead to a pay raise. The average starting pay for someone with a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credential is $85,720, according to Payscale.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all Red Hat hackers have financial motivations. Most of them want to make the world a better place and are willing to work for less pay to do it.
Is it legal to be a Red Hat hacker?
Although red hat hackers are usually not criminals, the methods they employ may be illegal and frowned upon by the IT security community.
Who is the most famous Red Hat hacker?
The most famous red-hat hacker organization is Anonymous
Who is the best hacker in the USA?
Kevin Mitnick is one of the best white hat hackers in the world.
Do grey hat hackers exist?
Yes, Gray hat hackers enact a blend of both black hat and white hat activities.
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