Raspberry Pi-Based USB-C Security Stick -- 2

Project: USB-C Security Stick (Raspberry Pi Zero 2W Based) Overview I want to create a USB-C security stick that functions in two modes: Cable Mode (Personal Firewall) Plug into a laptop/PC via USB-C. Device acts as a firewall (via USB Ethernet Gadget). Filters/block traffic (e.g., only allow HTTPS, block malicious sites). Provides secure payment browsing and optional VPN tunneling. Router Mode (Home Firewall & Parental Controls) Connect device to home router or modem. Acts as a mini-firewall and DNS filter for the entire household. Parental controls via mobile app: Block unwanted sites (gambling, adult, TikTok, YouTube, etc.). Allow internet for limited time (e.g., 30 mins). Device/user profiles (e.g., child vs parent access). The stick should be fully controlled via a mobile app (iOS + Android). Goals Develop a working prototype on Raspberry Pi Zero 2W (later custom PCB). Secure network filtering in both modes. Mobile app (React Native preferred) to control settings. Simple consumer-friendly design (later stage: 3D-printed or injection-molded enclosure). Required Features Cable Mode Pi Zero 2W acts as USB Ethernet Gadget. All laptop traffic routed through Pi. Firewall filters (iptables/nftables). Optional VPN or TOR tunneling. Router Mode Pi Zero 2W acts as WiFi AP or sits between router & internet. DNS filtering (Pi-hole or AdGuard Home). Site blocking (adult, gambling, social media). Device profiles + timed access. Mobile App React Native app (iOS + Android). Connect to Pi API (via REST/HTTPS or WebSocket). Features: Toggle Cable/Router mode. Manage blocklists. Create usage schedules. View activity logs. Tech Stack (Suggested) Hardware: Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, USB-C OTG support. OS: OpenWrt or Raspberry Pi OS Lite. Networking: iptables/nftables, dnsmasq, Pi-hole/AdGuard. Backend on Pi: Python (Flask/FastAPI) or Node.js. Mobile App: React Native. Database: SQLite/MongoDB for storing rules & logs. Deliverables Prototype software running on Pi Zero 2W. USB-C Cable Mode Firewall (PC sees Pi as USB Ethernet card). Router Mode Firewall (with DNS filtering & parental controls). Mobile App (basic UI to control filters & schedules). Documentation for setup & usage. Required Skills Embedded Linux (OpenWrt / Raspberry Pi OS). Firewall & DNS filtering (iptables, nftables, Pi-hole, AdGuard). USB Gadget development (Ethernet over USB). Mobile app development (React Native). API design (REST/HTTPS, WebSockets). Optional: PCB design experience (future phase). Project Phases Phase 1: USB Ethernet Gadget + firewall rules on Pi. Phase 2: Router mode with DNS filtering. Phase 3: Mobile app integration (basic control). Phase 4: Advanced parental controls (timers, device profiles). Phase 5: Prototype enclosure (3D printed).

Project ID: 39737261