Velociraptor
Tool manual · Kali & common usage
Forensics · Advanced · Forensics lane
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)
- Install Velociraptor 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. Docs
https://docs.velociraptor.app/
Kali Linux
Deploy server/client per docs — specialized DFIR stack.
1. Installation
| OS | Installation |
|---|---|
Kali Linux | Deploy server/client per docs — specialized DFIR stack. |
Official | See official docs: https://docs.velociraptor.app/ |
2. Basic commands
1. Safe example against your own lab data or localhost
velociraptor gui
Safe example against your own lab data or localhost
2. Show help
velociraptor --help
List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).
3. Short help
velociraptor -h
Alternate help flag when supported.
4. List all options
--help / -h
List all options
Options / flags
| Option | Purpose |
|---|---|
--help / -h | List all options |
5. Useful features
- Core workflow and interface
- Reading and interpreting output
- Key configuration options
- Integrating into a professional workflow
6. Practical examples
Example 1: Safe example against your own lab data or localhost
velociraptor gui
Safe example against your own lab data or localhost
Example 2: Show help
velociraptor --help
List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).
Example 3: Short help
velociraptor -h
Alternate help flag when supported.
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