> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.pensar.dev/apex/overview/introduction/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.pensar.dev/_mcp/server.

# Introduction

> AI-powered penetration testing CLI tool for comprehensive security testing

## What is Pensar Apex?

**Pensar Apex** is an AI-powered penetration testing CLI tool that enables you to use an AI agent to perform comprehensive blackbox and whitebox security testing. Built with a powerful terminal user interface, Apex brings autonomous penetration testing capabilities directly to your command line.

## How It Works

#### Install Apex

Install Apex globally using your preferred method:

#### macOS/Linux

```bash
curl -fsSL https://pensarai.com/install.sh | bash
```

#### Homebrew

```bash
brew tap pensarai/tap
brew install apex
```

#### Windows

```powershell
irm https://www.pensarai.com/apex.ps1 | iex
```

#### npm

```bash
npm install -g @pensar/apex
```

Requires [Node.js](https://nodejs.org)

#### Launch Apex

Start the interactive terminal interface by running `pensar` in your
terminal.

#### Login to Pensar

Use the `/login` command to login to Pensar.

#### Select Model

Use the `/models` command to select which AI model to use for testing.

#### Start Testing

Use `/pentest` to launch an autonomous penetration testing swarm, or `/operator` to start an interactive session where you guide the AI step by step.

#### Review Results

Watch in real-time as the AI agent discovers vulnerabilities, executes
tests, and documents findings with proof-of-concepts.

## Key Features

#### AI-Powered Testing

Leverage state-of-the-art AI models to perform autonomous penetration
testing with minimal human intervention.

#### Terminal Interface

Beautiful, responsive terminal UI built with React for an optimal
command-line experience.

#### Multiple AI Providers

Support for Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, OpenRouter, AWS Bedrock, and Pensar
Console. Anthropic models provide the best performance.

#### Session Management

Sessions are automatically saved and can be browsed with `/sessions`.

#### Comprehensive Testing

Automated reconnaissance, vulnerability detection, and exploitation testing
in a single workflow.

#### Kali Container

Optional Kali Linux container with pre-configured security tools for maximum
compatibility.

## Getting Started

To begin testing with Apex, you'll typically follow this workflow:

#### Configure Provider

Run `/providers` to set up your AI provider API key

#### Select Model

Run `/models` to choose your preferred AI model

#### Start a Pentest

Run `/pentest` to configure your target and launch an autonomous penetration
test

> **Info**
>
> The `/pentest` command guides you through a wizard to configure your target
> URL, optional authentication credentials, scope constraints, and custom
> headers before starting the penetration test.

## AI Provider Support

Apex supports multiple AI providers to give you flexibility in your testing setup:

* **Anthropic** (Recommended) - Best performance and results
* **OpenAI** - GPT-4 and other OpenAI models
* **Google** - Gemini models via the Generative AI API
* **OpenRouter** - Access multiple models through one API
* **AWS Bedrock** - Enterprise-grade AI through AWS
* **Pensar Console** - Managed inference with no API key required

> **Warning**
>
> **Anthropic models are recommended** for optimal penetration testing
> performance and accuracy.

## Responsible Use

> **Error**
>
> This tool is intended for **authorized security testing only**. You must have
> explicit permission to test any systems. Unauthorized testing is illegal and
> unethical.

By using Apex, you agree to:

* Only test systems you own or have written authorization to test
* Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
* Use the tool ethically and responsibly
* Not use the tool for malicious purposes

## Ready to Get Started?

Head over to the [Getting Started](/apex/getting-started) guide to install Apex and run your first penetration test.

> AI-powered penetration testing CLI.