Checkov

Tool manual · Kali & common usage

Cloud · Intermediate · Cloud lane

IntermediateIaC Security

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

What is Checkov?

Checkov is policy-as-code scanning for Terraform, K8s, CloudFormation, etc.

Catch IaC misconfigurations before deploy.

Official website: Checkov · Documentation

When do you use it?

You need Static analysis for Terraform/K8s/CloudFormation.
You are following a CYNARKS lab or authorized engagement that calls for Checkov.
You already tried simpler checks and need this tool’s deeper capability.

Who uses it?

Cloud security engineers
DevSecOps
Platform / SRE security

How do you use it? (typical flow)

Install Checkov using the steps below (prefer Kali package or official installer).
Confirm you have authorization for the target (lab VM, own system, or written scope).
Run --help / man (or the Help section) to see current flags for your version.
Start with a safe example from Basic commands against localhost or an authorized lab target.
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. Help
```
checkov -h
```
2. Docs
```
https://www.checkov.io/
```

Kali Linux

pip install checkov

1. Installation

OS	Installation
`Kali Linux`	pip install checkov
`pip`	pip install checkov

2. Basic commands

1. Scan IaC directory
```
checkov -d terraform/
```
Scan IaC directory
2. Show help
```
checkov --help
```
List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).
3. Short help
```
checkov -h
```
Alternate help flag when supported.
4. Limit frameworks
```
--framework
```
Limit frameworks

Options / flags

Option	Purpose
`--framework`	Limit frameworks

5. Useful features

Policy-as-code
CI gates

6. Practical examples

Example 1: Scan IaC directory
```
checkov -d terraform/
```
Scan IaC directory
Example 2: Show help
```
checkov --help
```
List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).
Example 3: Short help
```
checkov -h
```
Alternate help flag when supported.
Example 4: Limit frameworks
```
--framework
```
Limit frameworks

7. Important notes

Block critical IaC issues before deploy.
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: cloud security · Commands: /commands#cloud