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Zeek

Tool manual · Kali & common usage

Network · Intermediate · Network lane

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

What is Zeek?

Zeek (formerly Bro) turns network traffic into rich, structured logs (conn, dns, http, …).

Network security monitoring and retrospective analysis on authorized taps/PCAPs.

Official website: Zeek · Documentation

When do you use it?

  • You need Turn network traffic into rich, structured logs.
  • You are following a CYNARKS lab or authorized engagement that calls for Zeek.
  • You already tried simpler checks and need this tool’s deeper capability.

Who uses it?

  • Network engineers
  • SOC analysts
  • Penetration testers

How do you use it? (typical flow)

  1. Install Zeek 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.zeek.org/

  2. 2. Help

    zeek --help

Kali Linux

Install zeek from Kali/docs; often run on a sensor, not every laptop.

1. Installation

OSInstallation
Kali LinuxInstall zeek from Kali/docs; often run on a sensor, not every laptop.
OfficialSee official docs: https://docs.zeek.org/

2. Basic commands

  1. 1. Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

    zeek -r lab.pcap

    Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

  2. 2. Show help

    zeek --help

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

  3. 3. Short help

    zeek -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. 4. List all options

    --help / -h

    List all options

Options / flags

OptionPurpose
--help / -hList all options

5. Useful features

  • Core workflow and interface
  • Reading and interpreting output
  • Key configuration options
  • Integrating into a professional workflow

6. Practical examples

  1. Example 1: Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

    zeek -r lab.pcap

    Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

  2. Example 2: Show help

    zeek --help

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

  3. Example 3: Short help

    zeek -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. Example 4: List all options

    --help / -h

    List all options

7. Important notes

  • Zeek 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: networking fundamentals · network security · Commands: /commands#networking