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Velociraptor

Tool manual · Kali & common usage

Forensics · Advanced · Forensics lane

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

What is Velociraptor?

Velociraptor provides endpoint visibility and collection at scale for DFIR.

Hunt and collect artifacts from enrolled endpoints you manage.

Official website: Velociraptor · Documentation

When do you use it?

  • You need Endpoint visibility and forensic collection at scale.
  • You are following a CYNARKS lab or authorized engagement that calls for Velociraptor.
  • You already tried simpler checks and need this tool’s deeper capability.

Who uses it?

  • DFIR analysts
  • SOC / blue team
  • Malware analysts

How do you use it? (typical flow)

  1. Install Velociraptor 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. Docs

    https://docs.velociraptor.app/

Kali Linux

Deploy server/client per docs — specialized DFIR stack.

1. Installation

OSInstallation
Kali LinuxDeploy server/client per docs — specialized DFIR stack.
OfficialSee official docs: https://docs.velociraptor.app/

2. Basic commands

  1. 1. Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

    velociraptor gui

    Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

  2. 2. Show help

    velociraptor --help

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

  3. 3. Short help

    velociraptor -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. 4. List all options

    --help / -h

    List all options

Options / flags

OptionPurpose
--help / -hList all options

5. Useful features

  • Core workflow and interface
  • Reading and interpreting output
  • Key configuration options
  • Integrating into a professional workflow

6. Practical examples

  1. Example 1: Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

    velociraptor gui

    Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

  2. Example 2: Show help

    velociraptor --help

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

  3. Example 3: Short help

    velociraptor -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. Example 4: List all options

    --help / -h

    List all options

7. Important notes

  • Velociraptor is used by professionals for legitimate defense, testing and research.
  • 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: digital forensics incident response · Commands: /commands