Red hat hackers, also known as red team hackers, are individuals or organizations that simulate real-world attacks to test the security of a company's systems and defenses. They act as an adversary, attempting to penetrate the company's systems and find vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by actual attackers.

Red hat hackers use a variety of techniques, including social engineering, exploiting software vulnerabilities, and physical attacks, to test a company's security posture. The goal of their activities is to identify and report security weaknesses so that the company can take steps to improve their defenses.

Red hat hacking is often conducted as part of a larger security assessment, along with penetration testing and vulnerability scanning. The results of the red team exercise can provide valuable insight into the company's security posture and identify areas for improvement.

Red hat hackers must have strong technical skills and a deep understanding of the latest attack methods and techniques. They must also have strong ethical standards and a commitment to working within the bounds of the law.

In conclusion, red hat hackers play a critical role in helping companies and organizations improve their security posture. By simulating real-world attacks, they help identify and report vulnerabilities, allowing organizations to take steps to improve their defenses and better protect against actual attacks.