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Autopsy

Tool manual · Kali & common usage

Forensics · Intermediate · Forensics lane

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

What is Autopsy?

Autopsy is a GUI digital forensics platform on top of The Sleuth Kit for disk image analysis.

Browse file systems, timelines, and artifacts from forensic images in authorized cases/labs.

Official website: Autopsy · Documentation

When do you use it?

  • You need GUI digital forensics platform for disk image analysis.
  • You are following a CYNARKS lab or authorized engagement that calls for Autopsy.
  • 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 Autopsy 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://www.autopsy.com/

Kali Linux

Available in Kali repos (autopsy) — also used on dedicated DFIR workstations.

1. Installation

OSInstallation
Kali LinuxAvailable in Kali repos (autopsy) — also used on dedicated DFIR workstations.
OfficialSee official docs: https://www.autopsy.com/

2. Basic commands

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

    autopsy  (open case → add data source)

    Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

  2. 2. Show help

    autopsy --help

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

  3. 3. Short help

    autopsy -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

    autopsy  (open case → add data source)

    Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

  2. Example 2: Show help

    autopsy --help

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

  3. Example 3: Short help

    autopsy -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. Example 4: List all options

    --help / -h

    List all options

7. Important notes

  • Autopsy 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