KICS

What is KICS?

KICS (Keep Infrastructure as Code Secure) scans IaC for misconfigurations.

Alternative/complement to Checkov in pipelines.

Official website: KICS · Documentation

When do you use it?

• You need Open-source IaC scanner by Checkmarx.
• You are following a CYNARKS lab or authorized engagement that calls for KICS.
• 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)

1. Install KICS 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.kics.io/

1. Installation

2. Basic commands

1. 1. Scan templates

   kics scan -p ./terraform

   Scan templates

2. 2. Show help

   kics --help

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

3. 3. Short help

   kics -h

   Alternate help flag when supported.

5. Useful features

• Multi-IaC
• SARIF output

6. Practical examples

1. Example 1: Scan templates

   kics scan -p ./terraform

   Scan templates

2. Example 2: Show help

   kics --help

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

3. Example 3: Short help

   kics -h

   Alternate help flag when supported.

7. Important notes

• Complement other IaC scanners.
• Authorized targets only — labs, systems you own, or written permission.
• Prefer reading --help / man / official docs for your installed version; flags change over time.