Secure File Encryption Decryption Tool GUI

Abstract

1. Introduction

Secure File Encryption & Decryption Tool is a Python-based desktop application that allows users to securely encrypt and decrypt files using modern cryptographic standards. The application uses AES-256-GCM for encryption along with PBKDF2 (SHA-256) for secure password-based key derivation, ensuring strong protection against unauthorized access. A modern, responsive GUI is provided using CustomTkinter.

2. Objective

Encrypts and decrypts files using AES-256-GCM with PBKDF2, featuring a password meter, progress tracking, and a user-friendly interface.

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

3. Key Features / Modules

• AES-256-GCM authenticated encryption
• Secure password-based key derivation using PBKDF2 + SHA-256
• Live password strength meter with real-time progress bar
• File encryption and decryption with .enc extension
• Secure random salt and nonce generation for each file
• Modern, responsive GUI with Dark/Light mode
• Show/Hide password toggle
• Multi-threaded operations to keep UI responsive
• Proper error handling and user-friendly alerts
• Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux)

4. Technology Stack

• Python 3.10+
• CustomTkinter (GUI Framework)
• Cryptography Library
• AES-256-GCM (Symmetric Encryption)
• PBKDF2 (Password-Based Key Derivation)
• SHA-256 Hashing
• Tkinter File Dialogs
• Multi-threading

5. System Requirements

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

• Python 3.8 or later
• pip / virtualenv for dependencies
• VS Code, PyCharm or Jupyter Notebook
• Git (to clone the repository)

6. Installation & Setup

git clone https://github.com/SyedShaheerHussain/Secure-File-Encryption-Decryption-Tool-GUI-.git
cd Secure-File-Encryption-Decryption-Tool-GUI-

python --version

pip install cryptography customtkinter

python -c "import cryptography, customtkinter"

python mainapp.py

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 SyedShaheerHussain 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.