CyberPup

A free, open-source cybersecurity app for everyday people.

CyberPup helps non-technical users lock down their digital lives through guided checklists, bite-sized lessons, and tools like breach checking. All guidance is grounded in well-known frameworks from ACSC, CISA, and NIST - translated into plain language that anyone can actually follow through on.

Most personal cybersecurity tools are either too technical, only solve one piece of the puzzle, or a complete scam. CyberPup tries to guide someone through the whole picture: passwords, email security, device hygiene, social media, and breach checking.

The app is live on the iOS App Store with ~500 installs. It works, but it's not actively maintained. This repo is an open invitation - to contributors, maintainers, or anyone who wants to take it somewhere.

What it does

• Progressive security levels - Scout, Watchdog, and Guardian tiers that guide users from basics to advanced
• Interactive checklists - step-by-step security actions with persistent progress tracking
• Platform-specific guidance - tailored instructions for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows
• Breach checking - integration with HaveIBeenPwned-style APIs to check if accounts are compromised
• Gamification - streaks, badges, and achievement milestones to keep users engaged
• Bite-sized lessons - optional "learn more" content that doesn't get in the way of action

Tech stack

• React Native + Expo - cross-platform mobile (iOS & Android)
• React Navigation - screen navigation
• AsyncStorage - local progress persistence
• PostHog - privacy-conscious analytics (with user consent and opt-out)

The web app opportunity

Because this is built in React Native with Expo, running it as a web app is a very real possibility - npm run web already works in development. A proper web build would make CyberPup accessible to anyone without needing an App Store install, which dramatically widens the audience for a tool aimed at non-technical people.

This is one of the most impactful things a contributor could take on.

Roadmap

These are ideas and things left on the to-do list that never got built. They're here to give you a sense of where the project could go - not a spec, just a starting point.

Polish & fixes

• Make privacy policy readable inline instead of opening a link
• Device updates section: fix bluetooth/wifi retry setup
• App loading/onboarding screen (first startup experience)
• Light mode support

Engagement

• Share progress when completing a security level
• Badge achievement popup on completion
• Monthly security reminder push notifications
• Expand content in the Insights tab

New tools

• Password strength checker with real-time feedback
• Phishing link checker - analyze suspicious URLs
• Scam message detection for texts and emails
• HIBP paid API integration for richer breach data (pending pricing viability)
• Scam call/SMS detection guidance based on mobile OS

Bigger ideas

• Web app (see above)
• CyberPup as a more prominent character/guide within the app (subtle animations, personality)
• Privacy settings scanner

Getting started

Prerequisites

• Node.js 18+
• npm or yarn
• Expo Go on your phone for quick testing, or a simulator/emulator

Run it locally

git clone https://github.com/brodsbytes/cyberpup.git
cd cyberpup
npm install
npm start

Then scan the QR code with Expo Go, or press i for iOS simulator / a for Android emulator / w for web.

Environment variables

Create a .env.local file in the project root:

EXPO_PUBLIC_POSTHOG_API_KEY=your_key_here

Analytics will silently no-op if the key is absent, so this is optional for local development.

Project structure

CyberPup/
├── App.js                    # Root component, navigation setup
├── screens/
│   ├── WelcomeScreen.js      # Main dashboard
│   ├── CategoryScreen.js     # Level-based check organisation
│   ├── ModuleListScreen.js   # Area-based check lists
│   ├── ProfileScreen.js      # User profile and achievements
│   ├── StreakDetailsScreen.js
│   ├── BadgesScreen.js
│   └── lessons/              # All individual check screens
│       ├── level-1/
│       ├── level-2/
│       └── level-3/
├── components/               # Reusable UI components
├── data/                     # Content and app structure data
├── utils/                    # Storage, analytics, badge logic
├── theme.js                  # Design system (colours, typography, spacing)
├── docs/                     # Architecture and development guides
└── assets/                   # Images and animations

See docs/ for architecture references, development guides, and implementation notes.

Contributing

Contributions are welcome - bug fixes, new checks, UI improvements, the web build, or anything from the roadmap above.

See CONTRIBUTING.md for how to get set up and submit changes.

If you're interested in taking on a larger role (maintainer, taking the project in a new direction), feel free to open an issue or reach out directly.

Website

cyberpupsecurity.com

License

MIT