Red Team Infra Dev

My Experience with the CRT-ID Certification

I recently completed the Certified Red Team Infrastructure Developer (CRT-ID) certification from Cyberwarfare Labs, and I’m excited to share my comprehensive review of this unique course. If you’re looking to enhance your red teaming skills with a focus on infrastructure development, this might be exactly what you need.

What is the CRT-ID Course About?

The Certified Red Team Infrastructure Developer (CRT-ID) is a specialized course designed to equip cybersecurity professionals with the skills to develop OPSEC-safe Red Team infrastructure for both internal and external operations. Unlike many other red team courses that focus primarily on exploitation techniques, this course dives deep into the infrastructure backbone that makes successful red team operations possible.

The course teaches you to:

  • Utilize legitimate cloud and on-premise services for red team operations
  • Build custom redirectors and payload server features
  • Implement infrastructure that mirrors real-world threat scenarios
  • Apply knowledge through an in-depth Red Team attack case study

Course Structure and Modules

The course is meticulously organized into 6 comprehensive modules, each building upon the previous one:

1. Introduction

  • Red Team Models: Understanding both external and internal red team approaches
  • Modern Red Team Infrastructure: Overview of contemporary infrastructure components
  • Red Team Infrastructure Components:
    • Command & Control (C2) Server
    • Redirectors
    • Payload Server
    • Phishing Server

2. Command & Control Server

  • C2 Pools & Selection: Criteria for choosing the right C2 framework
  • Mythic Installation: Hands-on setup of the open-source Mythic C2 framework
  • Operator Roles: Multi-operator access and role-based permissions
  • C2 Profiles: Configuration files for stealth communication
  • OPSEC Safe Setup: Security considerations including SSL certificates, network firewall, traffic redirection, and geo-fencing

AWS Infra Full

3. Redirector Setup

Cloud-Based Setup (SSL):

  • AWS CloudFront: Leveraging Amazon’s CDN for traffic redirection
  • Azure Front Door CDN: Using Microsoft’s CDN services for operations

On-Premise Setup (SSL):

  • Nginx: Manual and automated configuration
  • Custom Rules Creation:
    • Directory-based rules
    • User-Agent based filtering
    • IP-based restrictions

4. Payload Server

  • Open-source Setup: Using PwnDrop for payload hosting
  • Custom Setup: Nginx with facade files for stealth payload delivery
  • Legitimate Application Integration: IPFS and Adobe Portfolio techniques

AWS Infra Full

5. Phishing Server

  • Evilginx: Advanced phishing framework for credential harvesting
  • GoPhish: Campaign management and centralized phishing operations
  • Multi-Factor Authentication Bypass: Session token capture and reuse techniques

6. Red Team Case Study

A complete full-fledged initial access operation covering:

  • Infrastructure overview and setup
  • Implant development using DotNetToJScript
  • Payload hosting and delivery mechanisms
  • Email campaign execution through GoPhish integration

Why I Chose This Course

Red Infra Craft

The CRT-ID stands out as one of the most unique courses in the red team training landscape for several reasons:

Technical Excellence

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Emphasis on both cloud (AWS/Azure) and on-premise infrastructure setup
  • OPSEC-Safe Methodologies: Focus on operational security throughout all modules
  • Open-Source Focus: Deep dive into Mythic C2, which is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux
  • Commercial-Grade Features: Mythic offers capabilities comparable to expensive commercial C2 frameworks

Resource: They have added an automated way to deploy a robust red team infra on their Github you can check it Here

Practical Application

  • Hands-On Labs: Build your infrastructure from scratch using cloud services
  • Real-World Scenarios: Infrastructure mirrors actual threat actor methodologies
  • Expert Instruction: The instructor demonstrates deep subject matter expertise
  • Complete Operational Knowledge: Gain skills to set up fully operational red team infrastructure

Value Proposition

  • Affordable Pricing: Currently offered at a significant discount ($5 instead of $49)
  • Excellent ROI: Substantial knowledge gain for minimal investment
  • Both Environments: Comprehensive coverage of cloud and on-premise setups

Pro Tip: If you’re planning the cloud setup track, ensure you have an AWS or Azure account ready. Follow the step-by-step instructions precisely as provided by the instructor.

Exam Experience

Cyberwarfare Labs recently launched a new exam format that significantly improves the testing experience.

New Exam Format Features

  • Flag-Based Assessment: No written report submission required
  • 6-Hour Hands-On Exam: Practical testing of learned concepts
  • 2 Attempts per Enrollment: Multiple chances for success
  • Convenient Scheduling: Easy booking through their Labs Portal
  • Instant Results: No waiting period for scoring

CRT-ID Flags

My Personal Exam Journey

I initially scheduled my exam for August 17th, but encountered a technical issue where VPN credentials weren’t generated in the portal. The support team was responsive and resolved the issue by August 19th, allowing me to reschedule for August 21st.

The exam went flawlessly:

  • Stable lab environment throughout the entire session
  • CTF-style challenges that directly tested course knowledge
  • Completed in 1 hour 45 minutes (out of 6 hours allocated)
  • All 10 flags captured successfully
  • Instant pass notification - no waiting for results!

Credential Link: Here

CRT-ID Cert

Exam Tips

  • CLI proficiency is essential
  • Basic bash scripting knowledge is highly beneficial
  • The exam maintains a fun, engaging CTF-style format
  • All challenges directly relate to course material

Cyberwarfare Labs Red Team Certification Path

CRT ID Path

Completing the CRT-ID allowed me to finish Cyberwarfare Labs’ beginner to intermediate roadmap, which consists of four complementary certifications:

1. Red Team Infrastructure Developer [CRT-ID]

Foundational knowledge in infrastructure development - the perfect starting point for your red teaming journey.

CRT ID Badge

Credential Link: Here

2. Red Team Analyst [CRTA]

Completed: September 5th, 2023

Focuses on analytical skills and understanding attacker methodologies from a defensive perspective.

CRTA Badge

Credential Link: Here

3. Red Team – CredOps Infiltrator [CRT-COI]

Completed: September 17th, 2023

Deep dive into credential operations, system infiltration, and security control manipulation.

CRT-COI Badge

Credential Link: Here

4. Red Team Specialist [CRTS]

Both CRTSv1 and CRTSv2 completed

Advanced penetration testing covering:

  • Web application security
  • Network penetration testing
  • Active Directory exploitation
  • Docker environment attacks
  • CI/CD pipeline abuse
  • Unique storylines: Nuclear Simulation (v1) and Electrical PowerGrid (v2)

CRTS-V2-Badge

Credential Link: Here

Learning from Experience: I wish I had taken these certifications in the order specified on their blog post, as each builds upon the previous one’s knowledge foundation.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

What You’ll Gain

  • In-Depth Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of red team infrastructure
  • Real-World Skills: Practical experience with industry-standard tools and techniques
  • Career Advancement: Positioning for red team operator/engineer roles

Why This Certification Matters

  • High Demand: Red team professionals are increasingly sought after in the cybersecurity market
  • Resume Enhancement: Certification validates your practical skills
  • Career Opportunities: Opens doors to specialized red team positions
  • Practical Application: Skills directly translate to real-world scenarios

Who Should Take This Course

  • Beginner/Intermediate cybersecurity professionals
  • Those looking to start in red teaming
  • Professionals wanting to enhance existing red team skills
  • Anyone interested in the infrastructure side of offensive security

Investment Value

Cyberwarfare Labs consistently offers regular discounts, making their courses accessible without compromising quality. The knowledge gained provides excellent value for career development in the cybersecurity field.

Conclusion

The CRT-ID certification delivers exceptional value for anyone serious about red team infrastructure development. The combination of theoretical knowledge, hands-on labs, and practical case studies creates a comprehensive learning experience that directly translates to real-world capabilities.

Whether you’re just starting your red team journey or looking to specialize in infrastructure development, this certification provides the foundational knowledge needed to build and operate OPSEC-safe red team infrastructure.

Recommendation: Highly recommended for cybersecurity professionals at beginner to intermediate levels. The affordable pricing, expert instruction, and comprehensive coverage make this an investment you won’t regret.