Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 4, 2026

Scanos is a local-only URL and button scanning tool. The extension is open source and is designed to process data on your device except when a scan request is sent directly to VirusTotal.

1. How Scanos Works

  • When you hover over a link or button and press Ctrl + S, Scanos prepares a scan request for that URL.
  • Scanos sends the URL directly to VirusTotal using your API key.
  • Scanos receives the VirusTotal response and displays the reported safety result in the extension.

2. Data Processed by the Extension

2.1 URLs You Choose to Scan

Scanos processes only the URL associated with the link or button you intentionally scan using Ctrl + S.

2.2 VirusTotal API Key

You must provide your own VirusTotal API key to use scanning features. This key is stored locally in your browser extension storage on your device.

2.3 Local Extension Settings

Scanos may store local configuration data needed for extension functionality, such as preferences and scan-related UI state.

3. What Scanos Does Not Collect

  • Scanos does not require user account registration.
  • Scanos does not run a backend service to collect or store your scanned URLs.
  • Scanos does not transmit your browsing history to Scanos-owned servers.
  • Scanos does not sell personal data.

4. Third-Party Processing (VirusTotal)

URL scan requests are sent to VirusTotal, an independent third-party service. VirusTotal may process submitted data under its own terms and privacy practices.

5. Data Storage and Retention

  • Your API key and extension settings are stored locally in your browser profile.
  • You can remove local data by deleting your API key from extension settings or uninstalling the extension.
  • Retention of data submitted to VirusTotal is governed by VirusTotal policies.

6. Security

Scanos is designed to minimize data handling by keeping data local whenever possible. However, no software or storage mechanism is completely risk-free, and you are responsible for securing your browser profile and device.

7. Open-Source Transparency

Scanos is open source, which allows users and developers to inspect how data is handled in the GitHub repository.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect product, legal, or operational changes. Updates will be posted with a revised "Last updated" date.

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