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urlscan.io

Tool manual · Kali & common usage

OSINT · Intermediate · OSINT lane

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

What is urlscan.io?

urlscan.io sandboxes and screenshots URLs for analysis.

Triage suspicious links safely (don’t open malware on your host).

Official website: urlscan.io · Documentation

When do you use it?

  • You need Safe remote fetching and analysis of URLs (screenshots, DOM, network).
  • You are following a CYNARKS lab or authorized engagement that calls for urlscan.io.
  • 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 urlscan.io 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. Site

    https://urlscan.io/

Kali Linux

Web/API — preferred over opening unknown links directly.

1. Installation

OSInstallation
Kali LinuxWeb/API — preferred over opening unknown links directly.
Webhttps://urlscan.io

2. Basic commands

  1. 1. Document IOCs

    Submit phishing sample in private workspace

    Document IOCs

  2. 2. Show help

    Submit --help

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

  3. 3. Short help

    Submit -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

5. Useful features

  • Public scans
  • Search
  • API

6. Practical examples

  1. Example 1: Document IOCs

    Submit phishing sample in private workspace

    Document IOCs

  2. Example 2: Show help

    Submit --help

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

  3. Example 3: Short help

    Submit -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

7. Important notes

  • Do not submit secrets; use private teams for sensitive URLs.
  • 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