Red Team VAPT Expert Learning Path

Foundation Phase (6-8 months)

1. Networking Fundamentals (2 months)

• TCP/IP protocol suite
• OSI model
• Network architectures
• Routing and switching
• Wireless networks
• Network security fundamentals
• Tools: Wireshark, tcpdump, Nmap
• Certifications: Network+, CCNA

2. Operating Systems (2 months)

• Linux administration
• Command line proficiency
• System administration
• Shell scripting
• Services management

• Windows administration
• Active Directory
• PowerShell
• Group Policy
• Windows Server

• Certifications: Linux+, LPIC-1, MCSA

3. Programming & Scripting (2-4 months)

• Python
• Bash
• PowerShell
• Basic web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
• SQL basics
• Regular expressions

Technical Skills Phase (8-10 months)

4. Security Fundamentals (2 months)

• CIA triad
• Security controls
• Cryptography basics
• Authentication methods
• Access control models
• Security policies
• Certifications: Security+

5. Offensive Security Basics (3 months)

• Vulnerability scanning
• Web application security
• Network security
• Wireless security
• Social engineering
• Password attacks
• Malware analysis basics
• Tools: Nessus, OpenVAS, Metasploit
• Certifications: eJPT, CEH

6. Advanced Attack Techniques (3-5 months)

• Exploit development
• Buffer overflows
• Web application exploitation
• Network protocol attacks
• Privilege escalation
• Post-exploitation
• Tools: Burp Suite, Cobalt Strike
• Certifications: OSCP

Specialization Phase (6-8 months)

7. Red Team Operations (3 months)

• Red team methodology
• Advanced persistent threats (APT)
• Command and control (C2)
• Infrastructure setup
• OPSEC principles
• Evasion techniques
• Tools: Empire, Covenant, PoshC2
• Certifications: CRTO, CRTE

8. Advanced Exploitation (3-5 months)

• Custom exploit development
• Advanced web exploits
• Mobile application security
• Cloud security
• IoT security
• Binary exploitation
• Tools: IDA Pro, Ghidra
• Certifications: OSCE, OSEE

Professional Development Phase (Ongoing)

9. Continuous Learning

• CTF competitions
• Bug bounty programs
• Research and development
• Conference attendance
• Community involvement
• Writing technical blogs
• Contributing to open source

10. Soft Skills Development

• Report writing
• Presentation skills
• Client communication
• Team collaboration
• Project management
• Risk assessment
• Compliance understanding

Total Estimated Duration: 20-26 months

Key Success Factors

1. Hands-on practice in labs (HTB, VulnHub, DVWA)
2. Documentation of methodologies and findings
3. Building a personal attack framework
4. Networking with security community
5. Staying updated with latest threats and techniques
6. Legal and ethical considerations
7. Regular participation in CTFs and bug bounties

Recommended Home Lab Setup

• Virtualization platform (VMware/VirtualBox)
• Multiple virtual machines
• Network simulation tools
• Security tools collection
• Testing environments
• Documentation system