Analyzing a broker or service like Web3 Antivirus (official website: https://web3antivirus.io/) based on the requested criteria involves a comprehensive evaluation of its online presence, security measures, regulatory status, and potential risks. Below is a detailed analysis structured according to your specified parameters, leveraging available information, including web results, and incorporating critical examination of the data.

1. Online Complaint Information ¶

• Findings: No specific online complaints about Web3 Antivirus were identified in the provided web results or through general analysis. The absence of complaints in the results could indicate a relatively clean public record, but it does not guarantee the absence of issues, as complaints may exist on unindexed platforms, forums, or review sites not captured here.
• Analysis: Web3 Antivirus markets itself as a security tool for Web3 users, focusing on protecting crypto wallets from phishing and scams. The lack of visible complaints could reflect a niche user base or effective service delivery. However, the absence of complaints should be verified through broader platforms like Trustpilot, Reddit, or crypto-specific forums (e.g., Bitcointalk) to ensure no underlying issues exist.
• Recommendation: Users should search for reviews on third-party platforms and check crypto community discussions for unfiltered feedback.

2. Risk Level Assessment ¶

• Service Description: Web3 Antivirus offers a browser extension, MetaMask Snap, and a free security API to protect against phishing, wallet drainers, honeypots, and other blockchain threats. It simulates transactions to identify risks and provides real-time alerts.
• Risk Level: Low to Moderate
• Strengths: Open-source code on GitHub (https://github.com/web3-antivirus/chrome-extension) allows community scrutiny, reducing the likelihood of hidden malicious functionality. The tool’s integration with MetaMask and focus on transaction simulation enhances user safety. No reported violations in the Chrome Web Store.
• Concerns: The niche nature of Web3 security tools means limited mainstream scrutiny. Dependence on browser extensions introduces risks if updates introduce vulnerabilities or if the extension is compromised. The complexity of blockchain technology may create blind spots for non-technical users.
• Critical Note: While the tool appears legitimate, any security software handling wallet interactions carries inherent risks if not regularly audited or if the developer team is compromised.

3. Website Security Tools ¶

• Website: https://web3antivirus.io/
• Security Features:
• SSL/TLS: The website uses HTTPS, indicating an SSL certificate is in place, which encrypts data in transit. This is a standard security measure to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.
• Privacy Policy: Updated in May 2023, the policy outlines data collection (e.g., name, email) and compliance with GDPR for EEA users and CCPA for California users. Users can opt out of data sharing, and no wallet credentials or seed phrases are stored.
• Open-Source Transparency: The tool’s code is publicly available on GitHub, allowing independent verification of its functionality.
• Potential Gaps:
• No mention of advanced security measures like Web Application Firewalls (WAF), multi-factor authentication (MFA) for user accounts, or regular penetration testing.
• The website does not explicitly detail third-party security audits, which are critical for validating claims in the Web3 space.
• Recommendation: Users should verify the SSL certificate’s validity (e.g., via tools like Qualys SSL Labs) and ensure the website is not flagged by Google Safe Browsing.

4. WHOIS Lookup ¶

• Domain: web3antivirus.io
• WHOIS Data (based on tools like https://who.is/):
• Registrar: Likely a standard registrar like Namecheap or GoDaddy (exact registrar not specified in results).
• Registration Date: Not provided in results, but the privacy policy update in May 2023 suggests the domain has been active for at least a few years.
• Registrant: Web3 Antivirus Inc., located at 919 North Market Street, Suite 950, Wilmington, Delaware, USA.
• Privacy Protection: Likely enabled, as WHOIS data often redacts personal details for corporate entities.
• Analysis:
• The Delaware address is a common corporate registration location, which is not inherently suspicious but may obscure operational details due to lax disclosure requirements.
• No red flags like recent domain creation or anonymous registrants, which are common in phishing scams.
• Recommendation: Use WHOIS tools (e.g., who.is) to confirm domain age and check for sudden changes in ownership, which could indicate hijacking or fraudulent activity.

5. IP and Hosting Analysis ¶

• Hosting Provider: Not explicitly mentioned in results. Likely hosted on a cloud provider like AWS, Google Cloud, or Cloudflare, given the scalability needs of a Web3 security tool.
• IP Analysis:
• No specific IP address provided in results. Tools like VirusTotal or SecurityTrails could reveal the IP and hosting details.
• The website’s use of HTTPS suggests a reputable hosting setup, as SSL certificates require verification.
• Potential Risks:
• If hosted on shared infrastructure, there’s a risk of vulnerabilities in co-hosted sites affecting Web3 Antivirus.
• Lack of transparency about hosting could make it harder to assess server-side security.
• Recommendation: Use tools like MXToolbox or Censys to analyze the IP and hosting provider for known vulnerabilities or malicious activity.

6. Social Media Presence ¶

• Findings: The results mention a “Twitter phishing posts blocker” in the Web3 Antivirus extension (v0.17), indicating awareness of social media-based threats.
• Analysis:
• No specific details about Web3 Antivirus’s official social media accounts (e.g., Twitter/X, Discord, Telegram) were provided.
• The focus on blocking phishing posts suggests proactive monitoring of platforms like Twitter/X, which is positive for user protection.
• Lack of visible social media engagement in results could indicate a low-profile presence, which is common for niche security tools but may limit community feedback.
• Risks:
• Fake social media accounts mimicking Web3 Antivirus could spread phishing links or misinformation, a common tactic in crypto scams.
• Limited social media presence may reduce transparency and user trust.
• Recommendation: Verify official social media accounts through the website or GitHub repository. Avoid interacting with unverified accounts claiming affiliation.

7. Red Flags and Potential Risk Indicators ¶

• Positive Indicators:
• Open-source code on GitHub, allowing public scrutiny.
• No history of violations in the Chrome Web Store.
• Privacy policy compliant with GDPR and CCPA.
• No reported complaints or scam allegations in provided results.
• Potential Red Flags:
• Lack of Third-Party Audits: No evidence of independent security audits for the extension or API, which is critical for Web3 tools handling sensitive wallet data.
• Niche Market: The Web3 space is prone to scams, and even legitimate tools can be mimicked by malicious actors, leading to brand confusion.
• Complexity for Users: Non-technical users may struggle to understand transaction simulation outputs, increasing the risk of misinterpretation.
• Delaware Registration: While not inherently suspicious, Delaware’s lax corporate oversight can be exploited by fraudulent entities.
• Critical Note: The absence of red flags in the results is promising, but the Web3 space’s high scam prevalence warrants caution. Users must verify the tool’s legitimacy independently.

8. Website Content Analysis ¶

• Content Overview:
• The website promotes a “comprehensive security suite” including a browser extension, MetaMask Snap, and API for wallet risk analysis and scam detection.
• Features include transaction simulation, honeypot detection, rug pull alerts, and phishing protection.
• The blog section educates users on Web3 scams, indicating a focus on user awareness.
• Tone and Claims:
• Professional and technical, targeting crypto users familiar with Web3 terminology.
• Claims of protecting against “60+ scam types” and integrations with DeBank and Layer3 are specific but lack third-party validation.
• Red Flags:
• No mention of independent audits or certifications, which are standard for security tools.
• Overemphasis on “free” services may raise skepticism, as monetization details are unclear (e.g., potential premium features or data monetization).
• Recommendation: Cross-check claims (e.g., scam detection accuracy) with user reviews or technical analyses on platforms like Medium or crypto blogs.

9. Regulatory Status ¶

• Findings:
• Web3 Antivirus Inc. is registered in Delaware, USA, but no specific regulatory oversight (e.g., SEC, CFTC, or FinCEN) is mentioned.
• The privacy policy complies with GDPR and CCPA, indicating awareness of data protection regulations.
• Analysis:
• Web3 security tools typically don’t require financial regulatory licenses unless they handle user funds or facilitate transactions, which Web3 Antivirus does not claim to do.
• Compliance with GDPR and CCPA is a positive sign, but it’s a baseline expectation for modern services.
• The Web3 space faces regulatory uncertainty, particularly around pseudonymity and AML compliance, which could indirectly affect tools like Web3 Antivirus.
• Risks:
• Lack of clarity on AML/KYC integration for its API or Snap could raise concerns for businesses using the tool for compliance.
• Regulatory scrutiny of Web3 tools may increase, potentially requiring future disclosures.
• Recommendation: Confirm the company’s regulatory status via Delaware’s corporate registry or contact [email protected] for clarification.

10. User Precautions ¶

To mitigate risks when using Web3 Antivirus:

• Verify Authenticity: Download the extension only from the official Chrome Web Store or Opera add-ons page. Check the GitHub repository for code transparency.
• Monitor Permissions: Ensure the extension doesn’t request excessive permissions (e.g., access to unrelated browser data).
• Use Security Tools: Run the extension in a sandboxed environment or test it on a non-critical wallet first.
• Check Updates: Regularly review release notes (e.g., v0.17 includes Twitter phishing blockers) for new features or vulnerabilities.
• Avoid Phishing: Only interact with the official website (https://web3antivirus.io/) and verified social media accounts. Be wary of lookalike domains or unsolicited emails.
• Independent Verification: Seek reviews from trusted crypto communities (e.g., Ethereum subreddit, DeFi Discord) before trusting the tool with sensitive transactions.
• Backup Wallets: Always maintain secure backups of wallet seed phrases offline, as no tool can fully eliminate risks.

11. Potential Brand Confusion ¶

• Risks:
• The name “Web3 Antivirus” is generic and could be mimicked by malicious actors creating fake extensions or websites (e.g., web3antivirus[.]co or web3-antivirus[.]io).
• Web3’s decentralized nature makes it easy for scammers to deploy lookalike domains or apps, as noted in the tool’s own detection of copycat domains.
• Similar tools (e.g., MetaMask’s built-in security features or other wallet scanners) may cause confusion, especially if users mistake Web3 Antivirus for an official MetaMask product.
• Mitigation:
• The website clearly states it’s not affiliated with MetaMask beyond the Snap integration.
• The open-source nature and Chrome Web Store presence (with no violation history) help establish legitimacy.
• Recommendation: Users should bookmark the official website and verify the extension’s developer (Web3 Antivirus Inc.) in the Chrome Web Store to avoid impostors.

12. Conclusion and Overall Assessment ¶

• Summary: Web3 Antivirus appears to be a legitimate Web3 security tool with a focus on protecting crypto wallets from scams and phishing. Its open-source code, GDPR/CCPA-compliant privacy policy, and absence of reported complaints are positive indicators. However, the lack of third-party audits, limited social media presence, and the inherent risks of the Web3 space warrant caution.
• Risk Level: Low to Moderate, provided users verify the tool’s authenticity and follow precautions.
• Critical Perspective: While the tool aligns with the needs of Web3 users, the broader ecosystem’s susceptibility to scams and regulatory uncertainty requires users to remain vigilant. The absence of mainstream scrutiny and independent validation raises questions about long-term reliability.
• Next Steps:
• Conduct a WHOIS lookup and IP analysis using tools like who.is or VirusTotal.
• Search for user reviews on crypto forums and social media.
• Contact [email protected] for details on audits or regulatory compliance.
• Test the extension with a non-critical wallet before integrating it with primary assets.

Disclaimer: This analysis is based on available information and does not constitute financial or security advice. Users should perform their own due diligence before using Web3 Antivirus or any Web3 tool. If you need specific follow-up (e.g., WHOIS lookup results, social media verification, or deeper content analysis), let me know!