SecWay

Your AI Ally for Privacy You Understand

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Inspiration

Today’s web is full of hidden threats—phishing scams, data leaks, and overreaching permissions. But most users don’t read the fine print. In fact, 62% never change app or website permissions after first use. This puts millions at risk, especially those who aren't tech-savvy.

Inspired by the need for simple, accessible cybersecurity, SecWay is an AI-powered Chrome extension that demystifies digital privacy.

What It Does

SecWay acts as a lightweight, always-on browser companion that helps users see and understand when websites or extensions are asking for too much. Key features include:

  • Real-Time Privacy Scanner: Detects risky permissions, overreaching data requests, and suspicious website behavior.
  • AI-Powered Privacy Guidance: Gemini 2.5-Turbo, provides human-friendly explanations and smart recommendations—no technical knowledge needed.
  • Educational Nudges: “Did You Know?” style insights explain why a permission could be dangerous, tailored to user behavior and comfort level.
  • Risk Indicators: Simple visual privacy ratings appear as you browse—green (safe), orange (review), red (danger).
  • Secure Me Button: One-click cleanup: the AI suggests safe permission defaults and lets users apply them instantly.

Challenges We Ran Into

  • Balancing Simplicity and Depth – Making the experience clear for non-tech users while still delivering powerful analysis.
  • Local-Only Architecture – Avoiding a backend while supporting intelligent features requires smart use of APIs and browser-native logic.
  • Phishing Detection Accuracy – Tuning ML models to detect threats without false positives or missing subtle scams.

Accomplishments We're Proud Of

  • No Backend, No Data Collection – Privacy-first by design. Everything runs locally or uses anonymous queries.
  • Modular Architecture – Easy to extend to other browsers (like Firefox/Edge) and platforms.
  • Conversational UX – Gemini 2.5-Turbo-powered assistant speaks like a human and educates while protecting.
  • One-Click Protection – Users can instantly clean up permissions with AI suggestions.

What We Learned

  • User-Centric Security Design – Making cybersecurity understandable builds more trust than fear-based tactics.
  • Conversational AI in Extensions – Leveraging Gemini 2.5-Turbo in the browser opens up powerful possibilities for live education.
  • Interoperability of APIs – Combining public APIs like Google Safe Browsing and PhishTank enabled real-time risk assessment.

What's Next for SecWay

  • Firefox & Edge Support – Extend protection beyond Chrome.
  • School + Library Outreach – Partner with public organizations to build privacy awareness from the ground up.
  • Scam Detection Leaderboard – Community-reported scam sites for public good.
  • Mobile Browser Privacy Tips – Companion tips for smartphone users.
  • Parental Control Mode – Help families monitor and protect kids’ browsing.
  • Smarter Threat Intelligence – Improve phishing detection using continual model updates.

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