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Functional Requirements for a Secure File Sharing System
- User Authentication and Authorization:
- User Registration: Allow users to create accounts with secure credentials.
- Login and Authentication: Implement secure login mechanisms (e.g., username/password, two-factor authentication).
- Role-Based Access Control: Define and enforce permissions based on user roles (e.g., administrators, users).
- File Upload and Download:
- File Upload: Enable users to upload files with support for various file types and sizes.
- File Download: Allow users to download files securely.
- File Encryption:
- Encryption at Rest: Encrypt files stored on the server to protect data from unauthorized access.
- Encryption in Transit: Use encryption protocols (e.g., TLS/SSL) to secure file transfers over the network.
- Access Control:
- File Sharing Permissions: Allow users to set permissions for file access (e.g., read, write, share).
- Link Expiry: Provide options to set expiration dates for shared file links.
- Audit and Logging:
- Activity Logging: Record user activities related to file access, upload, download, and sharing.
- Audit Trails: Generate audit trails to track file access and changes.
- File Versioning:
- Version Control: Maintain versions of files to track changes and revert to previous versions if needed.
- Version History: Provide access to version history for review and recovery.
- File Search and Retrieval:
- Search Functionality: Enable users to search for files using keywords, tags, or metadata.
- Advanced Filters: Implement advanced filtering options to refine search results.
- File Management:
- Organize Files: Allow users to organize files into folders or categories.
- Rename and Delete: Provide options to rename or delete files and folders.
- Notifications and Alerts:
- Activity Notifications: Notify users about file activities such as uploads, downloads, and shared access.
- Security Alerts: Alert users to any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts.
- Integration with Other Systems:
- Cloud Storage Integration: Integrate with cloud storage providers for seamless file management.
- External Application Integration: Interface with external applications or services for enhanced functionality.
- User Support and Help:
- Help Desk: Provide support resources and a help desk for user assistance.
- FAQs and Documentation: Offer comprehensive FAQs and user documentation.
- Backup and Recovery:
- Data Backup: Regularly back up files and user data to prevent loss.
- File Recovery: Implement procedures for recovering files from backups or previous versions.
Non-Functional Requirements for a Secure File Sharing System
- Performance:
- Response Time: Ensure quick response times for file uploads, downloads, and access requests.
- Scalability: Handle increasing volumes of files and users efficiently.
- Reliability:
- High Availability: Ensure the system is operational with minimal downtime.
- Fault Tolerance: Implement mechanisms to handle system failures gracefully without data loss.
- Security:
- Data Protection: Use strong encryption and access controls to protect file data and user information.
- Secure Communication: Ensure secure communication channels for file transfers and user interactions.
- Usability:
- User Interface: Design an intuitive and user-friendly interface for managing files and permissions.
- Ease of Use: Ensure that file sharing, access control, and search functions are straightforward and accessible.
- Maintainability:
- Modular Design: Develop the system with modular components to facilitate maintenance and updates.
- Documentation: Provide comprehensive documentation for system administration, configuration, and troubleshooting.
- Interoperability:
- System Integration: Ensure compatibility with other systems and services, such as cloud storage providers and external applications.
- Standard Protocols: Use standard communication protocols for data exchange and integration.
- Availability:
- 24/7 Operation: Ensure the system is available around the clock for file access and sharing.
- Disaster Recovery: Implement a disaster recovery plan to restore system functionality in case of major failures.
- Compliance:
- Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to relevant regulations and standards for data protection and file sharing (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
- Data Privacy Regulations: Comply with data protection regulations to ensure the privacy of user data.
- Accessibility:
- Inclusive Design: Design the system to be accessible to users with disabilities, following WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).
- Device Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with various devices used for accessing the system, including desktops and mobile devices.
- Localization and Internationalization:
- Language Support: Support multiple languages for a global user base.
- Regional Settings: Allow customization based on regional regulations and practices.
- Data Accuracy and Integrity:
- Error Handling: Implement mechanisms to detect and correct errors in file handling and data processing.
- Data Validation: Ensure accurate data entry and processing through validation checks.
- Scalability:
- Growth Management: The system should scale to accommodate an increasing number of files, users, and data storage requirements.
- Performance Monitoring: Continuously monitor system performance and adjust resources as needed.