BaitZero Draft Image

Inspiration

BaitZero started with a simple idea: people should be able to check suspicious links before clicking them. Phishing links and online scams can be difficult to recognize, and many users don't understand why a link might be dangerous.

What I built

BaitZero is a Windows desktop application that analyzes URLs using heuristic checks, evidence-based analysis, and risk scoring. It aims to help users understand potential threats instead of simply showing a warning. The application also includes clipboard monitoring to help identify links copied by users.

How I built it

I used JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Vite, and Tauri v2 to build the desktop application. I developed a modular analysis pipeline with URL analysis, evidence collection, explanations, and risk assessment. I also worked on native Windows integration, local storage, and desktop notifications.

Challenges and learnings

One of the biggest challenges was integrating web-based functionality with Windows desktop features. Clipboard monitoring, notifications, and package identity requirements required additional testing and troubleshooting. This project taught me the importance of modular architecture, privacy-conscious design, and testing real-world behavior rather than relying only on the interface.

What's next

My priority is to stabilize the desktop application, test its features thoroughly, and improve the reliability of its threat analysis. I want to make BaitZero a practical, understandable, and privacy-conscious tool for everyday link safety.

Built With

clipboard-monitoring
css
cybersecurity
desktop-notifications
git
heuristic-analysis
html
javascript
local-storage
risk-scoring
rust
tauri
url-analysis
vite
windows

Submitted to

Next Byte Hacks V5

Created by

I worked on building BaitZero, a Windows desktop cybersecurity application. I developed the URL analysis pipeline, heuristic-based threat detection, risk scoring, and threat explanations. I also worked on clipboard monitoring, local storage, and Windows desktop notifications using JavaScript, Vite, and Tauri. One of my biggest challenges was integrating the web application with native Windows features. This project helped me improve my development, debugging, and problem-solving skills.

Rishabh Malik
I contributed to the project's core idea, creative thinking, and overall concept development. I focused on identifying problems, brainstorming innovative solutions, and shaping the idea into a practical and meaningful project. My creativity helped in designing the concept, exploring new possibilities, and finding ways to make the project more useful, unique, and impactful.

Arihant holkar
i worked on designing and implementing security mechanisms for phishing URL detection, risk analysis, threat identification, and user privacy protection.

Ash