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Maltego CE

Tool manual · Kali & common usage

OSINT · Intermediate · OSINT lane

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

What is Maltego CE?

Maltego CE graphs OSINT entities (people, domains, infra) via transforms.

Link analysis for investigations with lawful data sources.

Official website: Maltego CE · Documentation

When do you use it?

  • You need Visual link analysis between domains, people, and infrastructure (Community Edition).
  • You are following a CYNARKS lab or authorized engagement that calls for Maltego CE.
  • 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 Maltego CE 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.maltego.com/

Kali Linux

Install Maltego CE; free edition has limits. Often on Kali menus.

1. Installation

OSInstallation
Kali LinuxInstall Maltego CE; free edition has limits. Often on Kali menus.
Desktophttps://www.maltego.com/downloads/

2. Basic commands

  1. 1. Map public footprint

    Run Domain → DNS transforms on your domain

    Map public footprint

  2. 2. Show help

    Run --help

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

  3. 3. Short help

    Run -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. 4. Automated transform chains

    Machines

    Automated transform chains

Options / flags

OptionPurpose
MachinesAutomated transform chains

5. Useful features

  • Transforms
  • Entities
  • Graph export

6. Practical examples

  1. Example 1: Map public footprint

    Run Domain → DNS transforms on your domain

    Map public footprint

  2. Example 2: Show help

    Run --help

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

  3. Example 3: Short help

    Run -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. Example 4: Automated transform chains

    Machines

    Automated transform chains

7. Important notes

  • Commercial transforms may need API keys; stay within ToS.
  • 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