ShadowLink is a powerful, lightweight, and terminal-based URL masking tool designed for ethical use in cybersecurity demonstrations, phishing awareness training, and red teaming exercises.
It allows you to generate deceptive but legitimate-looking URLs by masking original links with custom domains and keywords—perfect for simulating real-world phishing behavior in a controlled environment.
- Mask any valid URL with a custom domain and keyword.
- Uses multiple shorteners (TinyURL, da.gd, clck.ru, osdb.link).
- Built-in validation for URLs, domains, and keywords.
- Animated loading spinner with polished CLI output.
- Works flawlessly on Linux terminals.
- Clean and single-file implementation for easy use.
We recommend using a Python virtual environment (venv) to isolate dependencies.
# 1. Clone the repo
git clone https://github.com/petherldev/shadowlink.git
cd shadowlink
# 2. Create and activate a virtual environment
python3 -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate
# 3. Install dependencies
pip3 install -r requirements.txt
# 4. Run the tool
python3 shadowlink.pyIf you prefer to install and use ShadowLink globally:
pip3 install shadowlinkThen run it from anywhere in your terminal:
shadowlinkOr using the Python module syntax:
python -m shadowlink💡 This is the easiest way to use ShadowLink if you don’t want to clone the repository manually.
Simply follow the on-screen prompts:
➤ Enter the original URL (e.g. https://example.com)
➤ Enter a custom domain (e.g. x.com)
➤ Enter a phishing keyword (e.g. login, signup, verify)ShadowLink will then generate multiple masked URLs using various shortening services.
- Python 3.10+
- Linux or WSL terminal
- Internet connection (for link shortening)
Caution
This tool is developed strictly for educational and ethical purposes such as:
- Cybersecurity training
- Social engineering awareness
- Red team operations
Any misuse of this tool for malicious purposes is strongly discouraged and illegal. The author is not responsible for any misuse or damage caused.
This project is released under the MIT License.