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VirusTotal

Tool manual · Kali & common usage

OSINT · Beginner · OSINT lane

BeginnerOSINT — Malware & URLs
Authorized usage only. Capture and inspect traffic only on systems and networks you own or have written permission to analyze.

What is VirusTotal?

VirusTotal aggregates antivirus/URL/file reputation engines.

Quick reputation check for hashes/URLs/files you are allowed to submit.

Official website: VirusTotal · Documentation

When do you use it?

  • You need Aggregate AV/engine results for files, URLs, domains, and IPs.
  • You are following a CYNARKS lab or authorized engagement that calls for VirusTotal.
  • 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 VirusTotal 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. Site

    https://www.virustotal.com/

Kali Linux

Web/API — mind privacy before uploading sensitive samples.

1. Installation

OSInstallation
Kali LinuxWeb/API — mind privacy before uploading sensitive samples.
Webhttps://www.virustotal.com

2. Basic commands

  1. 1. Validate SOC workflow

    Lookup EICAR hash

    Validate SOC workflow

  2. 2. Show help

    Lookup --help

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

  3. 3. Short help

    Lookup -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

5. Useful features

  • Hash lookup
  • URL scan
  • Graph (VT Enterprise)

6. Practical examples

  1. Example 1: Validate SOC workflow

    Lookup EICAR hash

    Validate SOC workflow

  2. Example 2: Show help

    Lookup --help

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

  3. Example 3: Short help

    Lookup -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

7. Important notes

  • Uploading may share samples with vendors — follow org policy.
  • 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