PhantomShield Lite - Fake Desktop App Blocker

Protects against fake desktop app download scams that impersonate web-only SaaS services to deploy remote-access trojans.

PhantomShield Lite protects you from a growing scam: fake "desktop client" downloads. Attackers copy the websites of web-only business services such as payroll, HR, business banking and accounting, and then offer a "desktop app" for download. The file is often a remote-access tool that can give an attacker control of your computer. Because the real company has no desktop app, you and your antivirus have nothing to compare it with. PhantomShield Lite watches for installer downloads and blocks the ones that look like fake desktop apps. WHAT IT DOES - Warns you when a downloaded installer imitates a protected web-only service but does not come from that service's official website. - Notices lookalike names, such as a letter swapped for a similar-looking number or symbol. - Notices installers for remote-control software that come from unofficial sources. HOW IT WORKS - When an installer download starts, the extension briefly pauses it and compares the file name, page title and web address with a small built-in list of protected services. - If the download looks like a fake desktop app, it is cancelled and a clear warning page explains why. - Well-known software publishers are on a trusted list and are not flagged. - From the warning page you can go back to safety, visit the official website, or allow the download for one hour. - The options page shows your local block history (with CSV export), your allowlist and the protected services. PRIVACY - No account, no analytics, no tracking and no remote servers. - All checks happen inside your browser. Settings and the block history stay on your computer. - The contents of downloaded files are never read. IMPORTANT LIMITS - Version 1 protects a small curated list of 10 services that the developer manually checked. It does not cover every company. - It is a safety net, not a replacement for antivirus software or good judgement. Always download software from the vendor's official website. - A company can launch a desktop app at any time. If a legitimate download is blocked, you can allow it from the warning page. - Files inside archives are not inspected. PhantomShield Lite is an independent project and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any company that may be named in its warnings.