Hexlock

Abstract

1. Introduction

HexLock is a command-line tool for file encryption and compression using AES encryption and gzip compression.

2. Objective

CLI tool for file encryption, decryption and compression

This project demonstrates how Go can be applied to a real-world Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking problem.

3. Key Features / Modules

• Encrypt files using AES encryption algorithm
• Decrypt encrypted files
• Compress files using gzip compression
• Encrypting and Decrypting multiple files at once
• Progress bar

4. Technology Stack

5. System Requirements

General requirements for this technology stack — check the README for exact versions.

• Go 1.20 or later
• Git (to clone the repository)

6. Installation & Setup

git clone https://github.com/Oluwaseun241/hexlock.git
cd hexlock

go install github.com/Oluwaseun241/hexlock

# Encrypt file
./hexlock encrypt -i [filepath] -o [filepath]
# Decrypt an encrypted file
./hexlock decrypt -i [filepath] -o [filepath]
# Compress file
./hexlock compress -i [filepath] -o [filepath]

Full setup instructions are in the project README.

7. Future Enhancements

Suggested extensions you can add to make this your own project.

• Add logging and alert notifications (email / Telegram)
• Write a threat model document for the tool
• Package it with Docker for safe lab testing

8. Viva / Review Questions

Common questions examiners ask for projects in this domain.

1. Which threat or attack does this project defend against?
2. What detection or protection technique is used and what are its limits?
3. How are false positives and false negatives handled?
4. Which cryptographic algorithms or security standards are involved?
5. What legal and ethical rules apply when testing a tool like this?

9. Source Code & License

This project is developed by Oluwaseun241 and published on GitHub under the MIT License. Please follow the license terms and credit the original author when you use or modify this code.