LockMe: Secure File Encryption Application

Project Overview

LockMe is a privacy-first desktop web application designed for secure file encryption and decryption. Built with Next.js and TypeScript, it runs entirely client-side using AES-256-GCM encryption via the Web Crypto API, ensuring your files and passphrases never touch a server. The application features an AI-powered security toolkit with Genkit + Gemini for passphrase generation and strength analysis, Firebase-powered user management, and a comprehensive code snippet manager. LockMe addresses the critical need for data security in the digital age while providing an intuitive, responsive interface that makes advanced cryptography accessible to end users. This project was developed as my Final Year Project (FYP) for my Bachelor in Computer Forensic (Hons.) at Management and Science University (MSU), Malaysia.

Technologies & Tools

Security Implementation

• •AES-256-GCM Encryption: Client-side encryption via Web Crypto API for maximum security
• •Client-Side Only: Files and passphrases never leave your device or touch any server
• •Multiple File Support: Encrypt/decrypt multiple files simultaneously
• •Custom File Extension: Encrypted files use .lockme extension for identification
• •reCAPTCHA Security: Additional security layer for user interactions
• •Firebase Security Rules: Secure data handling with Firestore and Storage rules

Key Features

• •AI Security Toolkit: Passphrase generator, recovery prompt enhancer, and strength analyzer
• •Code Snippet Manager: Store, tag, and encrypt code snippets with syntax highlighting
• •User Account Management: Email/password authentication with profile management
• •Personalized Dashboard: Track file activity, passphrase generation, and operation history
• •Responsive Design: Works seamlessly on desktop and mobile devices
• •Theme Support: Light/dark mode toggle with localStorage preferences
• •Email Verification: Secure account management with password reset functionality

AI Integration & Academic Research

• •Genkit + Gemini AI: AI-powered passphrase generation and security analysis
• •Academic Foundation: Research based on Al-Hazaimeh (2013) and Mushtaq et al. (2017)
• •Supervised Research: Under Dr. Asma Mahfoudh Hezam Al-Hakimi at MSU
• •Open Source: MIT License for community contributions and transparency

Development Approach

• •Privacy-First Design: Client-side encryption ensuring data never leaves the device
• •Modern Web Technologies: Next.js App Router with TypeScript for type safety
• •AI-Powered Security: Integration of Gemini API for intelligent security features
• •Firebase Integration: Secure user management with Firestore and Authentication
• •Responsive Implementation: Cross-device compatibility with Tailwind CSS