Your computer / the host
Your existing Windows, macOS, or Linux computer stays in place. It supplies some memory, processing power, and storage to the virtual machine while the lab runs.
TRACE / BEFORE YOU DOWNLOAD
A real computer.
Inside your computer.
The investigation will run in a virtual machine: a separate Linux environment on your own computer. Here’s what that means, what you’ll download, and how the pieces fit together.
LAB IN DEVELOPMENT · NO CYVORA VM DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE YET
Start with the basics ↓01 / UNDERSTAND THE SETUP
Three pieces.
One investigation.
VirtualBox / the application
VirtualBox is software you install on your computer. It creates the virtual hardware that lets a second operating system run alongside your usual apps.
The CYVORA lab / the guest
Our planned download is a prepared Linux virtual machine containing the mission, fictional evidence, and investigation tools. You import it into VirtualBox, start it, and connect to it.
02 / KNOW THE FILE
What exactly
is an .ova?
A packaged virtual machine, ready to import.
An .ova file is an Open Virtual Appliance archive. It bundles a VM’s configuration and virtual disk. That disk can hold a complete operating system, installed tools, and files.
Importing it creates a VM in VirtualBox. It does not replace your computer’s operating system. Importing and running it will use disk space, and running it also uses memory and CPU.
Downloading VirtualBox and downloading the lab are two separate steps. The VirtualBox installer provides the application; the CYVORA .ova will provide the investigation environment.
PLANNED FORMAT.ovaLinux OS + tools + fictional case files
03 / KNOW THE BOUNDARIES
Separate.
Still real software.
A VM separates the guest operating system from your everyday environment, but it is not a guarantee that any file is safe. Network access, shared folders, clipboard sharing, and other settings affect what it can reach.
- Only import VM files from a source you trust. Review the published release details and checksum before importing.
- Follow the lab’s tested network settings. Don’t enable shared folders, shared clipboard, or bridged networking unless the instructions require them.
- Use the supplied training account. Don’t enter personal passwords or put private files into the lab.
- The planned investigation uses fictional records and harmless training files. It won’t require visiting real criminal services or handling real malware.
We’ll publish exact settings with the tested release. There is nothing to import from CYVORA yet.
04 / DOWNLOADS & COMPATIBILITY
Know what
you’re getting.
A
VirtualBox application
Choose the installer for your computer’s operating system and processor on the official website. This link takes you to Oracle’s download page; it does not begin a download.
Visit official VirtualBox downloads ↗B
CYVORA TRACE virtual machine
The investigation VM is being built. We’ll enable the download after testing the image and documenting how to use it.
- File format
- Planned: .ova
- Download size & version
- Not published yet
- Supported computers & VM requirements
- Awaiting testing
- SHA-256 checksum
- Provided with the release
Before installing: VirtualBox support depends on both your operating system and processor. An Intel/AMD (x86-64) lab image cannot run in VirtualBox on an Arm computer such as an Apple Silicon Mac. We haven’t confirmed supported computers or built an Arm edition yet. Don’t assume every installer can run the same lab image.
05 / WHEN THE LAB IS READY
From download
to first clue.
Check compatibility
Compare your computer with the tested requirements we’ll publish.
Install VirtualBox
Use the official installer for your computer. Installing it may require administrator permission.
Download, verify, and import the lab
Check the release’s SHA-256 checksum, then import the .ova into VirtualBox and review the documented settings. A matching checksum confirms the file matches the published release; it doesn’t prove software is safe.
Start the VM and connect over SSH
SSH lets a terminal on your computer connect to the Linux machine running inside the VM. We’ll provide the exact command, training credentials, and connection settings with the release.
Read README.txt and investigate
You’ll use real Linux commands to inspect fictional evidence. Reset instructions will accompany the lab so you can start again.
A FEW COMMON QUESTIONS
Before you begin.
Will this replace Windows or macOS?
No. The lab runs as a guest inside VirtualBox. You will be installing VirtualBox on your computer and creating a separate VM, not reinstalling your main operating system.
Is the VM already hosted somewhere?
No. The planned downloadable edition runs on your computer. SSH will connect you to that local VM, not to a CYVORA-hosted server.
Do I need to know Linux already?
The lab is intended to introduce the commands you need as you investigate. The final difficulty and requirements will be published with the release.
Can I download the lab now?
Not yet. This page explains the planned setup. There is no released CYVORA VM image, download size, checksum, or tested compatibility list.