Scope of Secure File Sharing System Final Year Project

1. System Overview

• Purpose: To develop a system that facilitates the secure sharing of files over a network, with a focus on encryption, access control, and data integrity.
• Target Users: Individuals or organizations needing a secure method to share files, including businesses, educational institutions, and personal users.

2. Key Features

• File Upload and Download:
  • Secure Upload: Allow users to upload files securely, ensuring that data is encrypted during transit.
  • Secure Download: Enable users to download files with secure access controls and encryption.
• Encryption and Decryption:
  • File Encryption: Encrypt files before they are stored or transmitted to ensure that only authorized users can access the content.
  • End-to-End Encryption: Implement end-to-end encryption to protect files from unauthorized access during transfer.
  • Key Management: Provide mechanisms for secure key management, including key generation, distribution, and storage.
• Access Control:
  • User Authentication: Implement strong authentication mechanisms to verify user identities before allowing access to files.
  • Authorization: Define and manage user permissions, specifying who can view, edit, or share files.
  • Access Expiration: Allow for temporary access or expiry dates for file sharing links or permissions.
• Audit and Logging:
  • Activity Logging: Record user activities related to file access, uploads, downloads, and sharing.
  • Audit Trails: Provide audit trails to track and review file access and sharing history.
• File Sharing:
  • Share Links: Generate secure shareable links with customizable access permissions (e.g., view only, edit, download).
  • Password Protection: Allow users to set passwords for shared files or links to add an additional layer of security.
  • Expiration Dates: Enable the setting of expiration dates for file sharing links to automatically revoke access after a specified period.
• User Interface:
  • Dashboard: Provide a user-friendly dashboard for managing file uploads, downloads, and sharing settings.
  • Notifications: Send notifications to users about file sharing activities, such as successful uploads, access requests, or permissions changes.
• Security Features:
  • Data Integrity: Implement mechanisms to ensure that files are not altered during transfer and remain intact.
  • Virus Scanning: Integrate virus scanning to check for malware in uploaded files.
  • Secure Communication: Use secure communication protocols (e.g., HTTPS, SSL/TLS) to protect data in transit.
• Integration and Interoperability:
  • Cloud Storage: Integrate with popular cloud storage services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) for file storage and management.
  • Third-Party Authentication: Support integration with third-party authentication providers (e.g., OAuth, SSO).
• Compliance and Standards:
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that the system complies with relevant data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
  • Security Standards: Adhere to established security standards and best practices for encryption and data protection.

3. Technologies and Tools

• Frontend Development:
  • Web Technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript for developing the user interface.
  • Frameworks: Use frontend frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js for creating dynamic and responsive web applications.
• Backend Development:
  • Programming Languages: Use languages such as Python, Java, or Node.js for developing server-side logic.
  • Frameworks: Utilize frameworks like Django, Flask, or Express.js for backend development.
• Database:
  • Relational Databases: Use databases like MySQL or PostgreSQL for storing user data, file metadata, and access logs.
  • NoSQL Databases: Consider NoSQL databases like MongoDB for handling unstructured data (optional).
• Encryption Libraries:
  • Libraries: Use encryption libraries such as OpenSSL, PyCrypto, or cryptography libraries to implement file encryption and decryption.
• Security:
  • Secure Communication: Implement HTTPS and SSL/TLS for secure data transmission.
  • Authentication: Use secure authentication methods such as OAuth2 or JWT for user authentication and authorization.

4. Development Phases

• Requirements Gathering: Define and document functional and non-functional requirements based on user needs and project goals.
• System Design: Develop system architecture, database schemas, and user interface designs.
• Implementation: Build frontend and backend components, including file encryption, access control, and user interfaces.
• Testing: Conduct unit testing, integration testing, and security testing to ensure system functionality and protection against vulnerabilities.
• Deployment: Deploy the system on a live server or cloud platform, configure user access, and integrate with external services.
• Maintenance: Provide ongoing support, bug fixes, and updates to ensure system performance and security.

5. Challenges and Considerations

• Data Security: Ensuring strong encryption and secure access control to protect sensitive files.
• User Experience: Designing a user-friendly interface that balances ease of use with security measures.
• Compliance: Adhering to data protection regulations and security standards.
• Performance: Ensuring that encryption and decryption processes do not significantly impact system performance.
• Integration: Seamless integration with existing systems and third-party services.

6. Documentation and Training

• User Manuals: Develop guides for users on uploading, sharing, and managing files securely.
• Technical Documentation: Document system architecture, encryption methods, and integration points.
• Training Sessions: Provide training for users on secure file sharing practices and system features.