# Getting Started with Spectra Detect — First Login, SDM Setup, and File Analysis

> Log in to Spectra Detect Manager, connect to Spectra Intelligence, configure your first scan input, and submit a file to view analysis results in the dashboard.

# Getting started with Spectra Detect

This guide walks you through logging in to Spectra Detect Manager (SDM), connecting to the Spectra Intelligence cloud, and running your first file analysis workflow.

**What you'll accomplish:**

- Log in to Spectra Detect Manager
- Connect to the Spectra Intelligence cloud
- Configure your first scan input
- Submit a file and view analysis results

## Prerequisites

Before you begin:

- Access to your organization's Spectra Detect deployment (or deployment credentials if setting up from scratch)
- Familiarity with your chosen deployment model (OVA/AMI, K8s Mono, or K8s Micro)
- For new deployments: access to the appropriate infrastructure (VMware/AWS for OVA/AMI, Kubernetes cluster for K8s deployments)

**Tip: Initial credentials**
Your initial SDM administrator username and password are provided by [ReversingLabs Support](mailto:support@reversinglabs.com). Change the default password after your first login.

## Step 1: Access your deployment

Spectra Detect is available in two deployment models (OVA/AMI, K8s Micro). This guide assumes you have already deployed Spectra Detect or have access to an existing deployment.

For deployment instructions, see:

- [AWS EKS Micro Deployment](/SpectraDetect/Deployment/AWS-EKS-Deployment-Micro/) — microservices on AWS EKS
- [On-Premises Deployment](/SpectraDetect/Deployment/) — hardware and VM options

## Step 2: Log in to Spectra Detect Manager

Spectra Detect Manager (SDM) is the central web interface for configuring Workers, monitoring analysis activity, and managing the cluster. It is available in OVA/AMI and K8s Micro deployments.

1. Open your browser and navigate to the SDM URL provided by your administrator (for example, `https://sdm.example.com`).
2. Log in with the administrator credentials provided by [ReversingLabs Support](mailto:support@reversinglabs.com).
3. Change the default password when prompted.

**Note: SDM is not included in the K8s Micro deployment (v5.7). Refer to the [AWS EKS Micro Deployment](./Deployment/AWS-EKS-Deployment-Micro/index.md) guide for configuration in that model.**


## Step 3: Configure the Spectra Intelligence cloud connection

Spectra Detect Manager must be connected to [Spectra Intelligence](/SpectraIntelligence/) to receive system updates, appliance upgrades, and cloud-enriched classification data. Without this connection, software updates cannot be delivered automatically and Deep Cloud Analysis will not be available.

1. In SDM, navigate to **Administration > Spectra Detect Manager**.
2. Scroll to the **Spectra Intelligence** section.
3. Select the **Enable Spectra Intelligence** checkbox.
4. Enter your Spectra Intelligence **username** and **password**.
5. Select **Save**. SDM will restart and begin polling Spectra Intelligence every 60 minutes.

If the connection fails, verify that your network allows outbound HTTPS (port 443) to `appliance-api.reversinglabs.com`. See [Network Ports](/SpectraDetect/Admin/ManagerSettings/#network-ports) for the full list of required ports.

**Note: If you do not yet have Spectra Intelligence credentials, contact [ReversingLabs Support](mailto:support@reversinglabs.com).**


## Step 4: Configure a scan input

Configure at least one file input source so Spectra Detect knows where to pick up files for analysis.

1. In SDM, navigate to **Configuration > Analysis Input**.
2. Select your input type (S3 bucket, ICAP, network share, or API submission).
3. Enter connection details and authentication credentials.
4. Select **Save**.

For detailed input options, see [Analysis Input Configuration](/SpectraDetect/Config/AnalysisInput/).

## Step 5: Submit a file and view results

Once a scan input is configured, files submitted through that input are automatically analyzed by [Spectra Core](/General/AnalysisAndClassification/SpectraCoreAnalysis).

To verify analysis is working:

1. Submit a test file through your configured input.
2. Open the [Dashboard](/SpectraDetect/Usage/Dashboard/) in SDM.
3. Confirm the file appears with a classification (Malicious, Suspicious, Goodware, or Unknown).
4. Select the file to view its full analysis report.

## Step 6: Configure YARA rules (optional)

Spectra Detect supports custom [YARA rules](/SpectraDetect/Usage/YARA/) for detection of specific file patterns. Rules can be uploaded through SDM and are automatically synchronized across all connected Workers.

## Next steps

Now that you've configured your first scan input and verified analysis is working, explore the full capabilities of Spectra Detect:

- **[Appliance Configuration](/SpectraDetect/Config/ApplianceConfiguration/)** — Network and system settings
- **[Manager Settings](/SpectraDetect/Admin/ManagerSettings/)** — SDM configuration reference
- **[Dashboard](/SpectraDetect/Usage/Dashboard/)** — Monitoring cluster status and throughput
- **[Management API](/SpectraDetect/API/ManagementAPI/)** — Automate Spectra Detect via REST API
- **[Updating](/SpectraDetect/Admin/Updating/)** — Software update procedures
