: Metasploit typically requires an internet connection for its first activation . If your environment is strictly air-gapped from the start, you must coordinate with Rapid7 Support for a specialized offline file.
Offline files contain a Unix timestamp. The verification engine checks this against the system clock. Additionally, the file contains a "feature bitmap"—a binary mask that turns Pro features on or off. The verification process ensures this bitmap hasn't been corrupted.
: When downloading offline update files (usually .bin files), it is critical to verify the file integrity. You should run the sha1sum command against the downloaded file to ensure the SHA-1 hash matches the one provided by Rapid7.