Free firewall and malware blocker for every device.
Stops bad sites before they load, in every app.
A drawing of a spider's web with your device at the centre and one phishing site caught on an outer ring.
Blocks ads, trackers, phishing and malware in every app.
- Ads
- Trackers
- Phishing
- Malware
- TV tracking
How to install Shield in 3 steps.
Install on macOS
- Step 1
Open the download
One file for Apple silicon and Intel Macs.
- Step 2
Drag Shield to Applications
Open it from Applications. It will not turn on from the download window.
- Step 3
Approve the prompt
Select Turn on Shield and enter your Mac password once.
Install on Windows
- Step 1
Run the installer
Open Spider-Shield_x64-setup.exe.
- Step 2
Select More info, then Run anyway
Only if Windows shows a blue SmartScreen box. The installer is not signed yet.
- Step 3
Select Yes
Allow the installer to make changes, then select Turn on Shield.
Install on Linux
- Step 1
Pick a build
AppImage or .deb, for x86-64 or ARM64. There is no .rpm yet, so use the AppImage on Fedora.
- Step 2
Install it
Run the AppImage, or install the .deb.
chmod +x Spider-Shield_*.AppImage && ./Spider-Shield_*.AppImage sudo apt install ./Spider-Shield_*.deb - Step 3
Turn it on
Select Turn on Shield and enter your password once.
Install on Android
- Step 1
Install the app
Open the downloaded file. Allow installs from your browser if asked.
- Step 2
Open Shield
Select Turn on Shield.
- Step 3
Allow the VPN prompt
Android needs it to filter every app.
A free antivirus alternative, in plain answers.
Is Spider Shield an antivirus?
No. Shield blocks the sites that spread malware and phishing, so the threat never arrives. It does not scan or remove files already on your device, so keep the scanner your system came with.
Is it really free?
Yes, with no trial and no upsell. Shield is free in exchange for bandwidth. While it is on, Spider may route a portion of its web traffic through your connection, the way the Spider Peers app does. Your own traffic stays on your own IP address, and you can turn Shield off or uninstall it at any time. The Terms describe it.
Does Spider Shield collect or sell my browsing history?
No. Blocking decisions happen on your device against Shield's own lists, and your browsing is not sent to a server to be scored. Shield collects the operational data used to detect route hijacking and anonymous app usage events, both disclosed up front. The Terms are the authoritative description of what the software does.
Why does Shield collect some data?
Shield collects a small amount of operational data to test that trusted routes still lead where they should. The app also sends anonymous usage events with no browsing data. The Terms describe both.
Will it slow down my computer?
No. Blocked ads and trackers mean fewer connections, and nothing scans your disk.
Which devices does it run on?
Mac, Windows, Linux and Android, including Android TV. There is no iPhone or iPad version.