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SpiderFoot

Tool manual · Kali & common usage

OSINT · Intermediate · OSINT lane

IntermediateOSINT — Automation
Authorized usage only. Capture and inspect traffic only on systems and networks you own or have written permission to analyze.

What is SpiderFoot?

SpiderFoot automates OSINT collection via modules into a local DB/UI.

Broad passive recon scans you configure against in-scope targets.

Official website: SpiderFoot · Documentation

When do you use it?

  • You need Automated OSINT collection with modular scans (self-hosted).
  • You are following a CYNARKS lab or authorized engagement that calls for SpiderFoot.
  • You already tried simpler checks and need this tool’s deeper capability.

Who uses it?

  • OSINT analysts
  • Investigators (lawful use)
  • Red teamers (authorized recon)

How do you use it? (typical flow)

  1. Install SpiderFoot using the steps below (prefer Kali package or official installer).
  2. Confirm you have authorization for the target (lab VM, own system, or written scope).
  3. Run --help / man (or the Help section) to see current flags for your version.
  4. Start with a safe example from Basic commands against localhost or an authorized lab target.
  5. Record what you ran, what you observed, and any follow-up (filter, report, remediation).

Help & manual (like man / --help)

Every serious tool has a built-in way to look up flags. Learn these first so you are not stuck memorizing every option.

  1. 1. Help

    spiderfoot --help

  2. 2. Project

    https://www.spiderfoot.net/

Kali Linux

Available in Kali (spiderfoot) — start local web UI.

1. Installation

OSInstallation
Kali LinuxAvailable in Kali (spiderfoot) — start local web UI.
DockerSpiderFoot Docker image

2. Basic commands

  1. 1. Start web UI on localhost

    sf.py -l

    Start web UI on localhost

  2. 2. Show help

    sf.py --help

    List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

  3. 3. Short help

    sf.py -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. 4. Target specification

    -s

    Target specification

Options / flags

OptionPurpose
-sTarget specification

5. Useful features

  • Modules
  • Correlation
  • Reporting

6. Practical examples

  1. Example 1: Start web UI on localhost

    sf.py -l

    Start web UI on localhost

  2. Example 2: Show help

    sf.py --help

    List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

  3. Example 3: Short help

    sf.py -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. Example 4: Target specification

    -s

    Target specification

7. Important notes

  • Powerful — scope and legal approval required.
  • Authorized targets only — labs, systems you own, or written permission.
  • Prefer reading --help / man / official docs for your installed version; flags change over time.

Related course: ethical hacking penetration testing · soc analyst blue team · Commands: /osint