Overview
WebCrypt is a client-side file encryption application that utilizes the Web Crypto API to provide secure encryption and decryption of files using a private key. The application is built with JavaScript and runs entirely in the user's browser, ensuring that sensitive data never leaves the client-side.
Encryption Algorithm
WebCrypt employs the AES-GCM (Advanced Encryption Standard - Galois/Counter Mode) encryption algorithm, which is a widely-used and secure symmetric-key cryptographic algorithm. The key used for encryption is derived from the user-provided private key using the PBKDF2 (Password-Based Key Derivation Function 2) algorithm with a random salt and 100,000 iterations.
Dependencies
WebCrypt relies on the following dependencies:
- Web Crypto API: A browser API that provides cryptographic primitives and utilities for performing various cryptographic operations, including key generation, encryption, and decryption.
- Bootstrap: A free and open-source CSS framework directed at responsive, mobile-first front-end web development. It is Used for styling the UI.
- zxcvbn.js: An open-source password-strength-checking library. It is used to check the strength of the user's key for encryption and decryption.
Key Management
WebCrypt does not provide a built-in mechanism for key management or key exchange. The private key used for encryption and decryption must be provided by the user during each session. It is recommended to follow these best practices for secure key management:
- Use a strong and unique private key for each encryption operation. Avoid reusing the same key for multiple files.
- Keep your private key secure and never share it with untrusted parties.
- Consider using a secure key management system or a hardware security module (HSM) for storing and managing private keys, especially in enterprise or high-security environments.
- If you need to share encrypted files with others, establish a secure method for exchanging the private key, such as using a separate encrypted channel or a secure key exchange protocol.
Proper and Secure Usage
To ensure the security of your data when using WebCrypt, it is recommended to:
- Use a strong and unique private key for each encryption operation.
- Keep your private key secure and never share it with untrusted parties.
- Verify the integrity of the downloaded encrypted or decrypted files before using them.
- Use WebCrypt on a trusted and secure device and network.
Limitations
While WebCrypt provides a secure client-side encryption solution, it's important to note the following limitations:
- The security of the application relies heavily on the user's browser and the integrity of the JavaScript code.
- The application does not provide any mechanisms for verifying the integrity or authenticity of the encrypted files.