About the Project
Inspiration
The inspiration for SecureOps came from the increasing concerns around web security and privacy. With the growing number of online threats, I realized that many users need better ways to secure their most sensitive websites and personal accounts. Most users rely on passwords, but it’s often not enough to prevent unauthorized access. I wanted to create a solution that adds an extra layer of protection by locking websites behind a master password and ensuring that browsing data is cleared after repeated failed attempts.
What it does
SecureOps is a Chrome browser extension that:
- Locks websites with a master password, requiring authentication before accessing specific sites.
- Rate-limits failed login attempts, triggering security measures (like clearing browsing data) if too many incorrect attempts are made within a short time frame.
- Clears browsing data, including cookies, history, and session storage, to protect sensitive information when unauthorized access is suspected.
- Provides a simple, intuitive UI that lets users easily manage locked websites, set passwords, and monitor attempts.
How we built it
We built SecureOps using the following tools and technologies:
- HTML, CSS, and JavaScript: For building the user interface and handling user interactions such as locking/unlocking websites.
- Chrome Extensions APIs: Utilized the
storage,webNavigation,browsingData, andcookiesAPIs to manage user data and track website visits. - Manifest V3: Transitioned the extension to Manifest V3, utilizing service workers and enhanced security features to ensure the extension works efficiently and securely.
Key features such as rate-limiting and data clearing were implemented using JavaScript to interact with the browser’s APIs, while the UI was designed to provide a seamless experience for the user.
Challenges we ran into
- Handling Security Breaches: Designing an effective security system that detects multiple failed login attempts and automatically clears sensitive data was a challenge. We had to ensure that the system triggered these actions only when necessary, without disrupting the user experience.
- Migrating from Manifest V2 to V3: With Google’s move to Manifest V3, I had to update the extension to use service workers and deal with stricter content security policies.
- Website Compatibility: Websites have different structures and security mechanisms, so ensuring that the extension worked consistently across various platforms required custom logic for each locked site.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
- Successfully created a robust rate-limiting system that detects multiple failed password attempts and triggers security actions.
- Built a secure and functional extension that locks websites behind a password and clears sensitive browsing data after suspicious activity.
- Transitioned the extension to Manifest V3, ensuring future compatibility with Chrome’s evolving standards.
- Designed a user-friendly interface that provides clear feedback on locked sites and login attempts.
What we learned
- Web Security Practices: Gained a deeper understanding of securing browser extensions and implementing measures like rate-limiting, cookie management, and data clearing.
- Chrome Extensions APIs: Learned how to effectively use Chrome’s APIs to interact with browser data and create a seamless extension experience.
- Manifest V3: Became familiar with the features and limitations of Manifest V3 and adapted the extension accordingly.
- Error Handling: Developed skills in handling edge cases and errors (e.g., failed login attempts) while ensuring a smooth user experience.
What's next for SecureOps
- Multi-Platform Support: Extend SecureOps to support other browsers and platforms (e.g., Firefox, Edge).
- User Analytics: Introduce features to track and visualize login attempts and security breaches for users.
- Password Recovery: Implement a password recovery system in case users forget their master password.
- Enhanced Security Features: Add more advanced security features like multi-factor authentication and remote lock/unlock capabilities.