Opensquat

Abstract

1. Introduction

openSquat is an open-source tool that detects look-alike domains impersonating your brand, by scanning newly registered domains daily.

2. Objective

openSquat is an open-source tool that detects look-alike domains impersonating your brand, by scanning newly registered domains daily.

This project demonstrates how Python can be applied to a real-world Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking problem.

3. Key Features / Modules

• Daily NRD feeds — Automatic newly registered domain updates
• Similarity detection — Levenshtein distance algorithm
• Three operating modes — Community (free feed), Premium Feed (paid feed, same local pipeline), or Premium API (hosted lookalike service). The two Premium modes share a single openSquat API key — see Premium and API Modes.
• VirusTotal integration — Check domain reputation
• Quad9 DNS validation — Identify malicious domains
• Certificate Transparency — Monitor SSL/TLS certificates
• Multiple output formats — TXT, JSON, CSV

4. Technology Stack

5. System Requirements

General requirements for this technology stack — check the README for exact versions.

• Python 3.8 or later
• pip / virtualenv for dependencies
• VS Code, PyCharm or Jupyter Notebook
• Git (to clone the repository)

6. Installation & Setup

git clone https://github.com/atenreiro/opensquat.git
cd opensquat

pip install opensquat
opensquat -k keywords.txt

Full setup instructions are in the project README.

7. Future Enhancements

Suggested extensions you can add to make this your own project.

• Add logging and alert notifications (email / Telegram)
• Write a threat model document for the tool
• Package it with Docker for safe lab testing

8. Viva / Review Questions

Common questions examiners ask for projects in this domain.

1. Which threat or attack does this project defend against?
2. What detection or protection technique is used and what are its limits?
3. How are false positives and false negatives handled?
4. Which cryptographic algorithms or security standards are involved?
5. What legal and ethical rules apply when testing a tool like this?

9. Source Code & License

This project is developed by atenreiro and published on GitHub under the GNU General Public License v3.0. Please follow the license terms and credit the original author when you use or modify this code.