InvestigAItor

Extension Masking

InvestigAItor can be configured to appear as a completely different browser extension to end-users - showing a custom name, icon, and description in chrome://extensions and the toolbar. This is useful for sensitive monitoring scenarios where you do not want employees to know which tool is in use.

How masking works

When masking is enabled, the extension's manifest.json is replaced with a custom manifest you supply. The underlying monitoring code runs identically - only the visible metadata changes.

Fields you can customize:

  • name - the extension name shown in the toolbar and extensions page
  • description - the description shown in chrome://extensions
  • icons - toolbar and extension-list icons (16×16, 48×48, 128×128 PNG)
  • action.default_title - the tooltip shown on hover

Configuring a masked build

  1. In the InvestigAItor admin portal, go to Settings → Extension Masking.
  2. Enter the display name, description, and upload icon files (PNG format, three sizes).
  3. Click Generate Masked Package. The portal will produce a new .crx or .zip with your custom metadata embedded.
  4. Deploy the masked package via GPO using the same steps in GPO Deployment. The extension ID does not change, so an existing GPO policy entry will automatically update to the masked version on next sync.

Recommended masking names

Choose a name that fits naturally alongside other extensions your organization already uses. Common choices include generic productivity or IT-sounding names, for example:

  • Company Bookmark Manager
  • IT Security Compliance Helper
  • Acme Browser Toolkit

Avoid names that closely mimic well-known extensions, as this may raise suspicion or violate the extension publisher's trademark.

Legal and HR considerations

Before deploying masked monitoring software, consult your legal and HR teams to ensure compliance with applicable employment law, privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), and your organization's acceptable use policy. In many jurisdictions, employees must be informed that their browser activity may be monitored - even if the specific tool is not disclosed. A blanket statement in your IT acceptable use policy typically satisfies this requirement.

Disabling masking

To revert to the standard InvestigAItor branding, generate a new unmasked package from the admin portal and redeploy via GPO.