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🔐 Secure File Encryption & Decryption Tool

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.

📸 Screenshots

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📌 Features

  • 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)

🛠️ Technologies Used

  • 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

⚙️ Installation Guide

1️⃣ Install Python

Check if Python is installed:

python --version

If not installed, download and install Python 3.10+ from: Python

⚠️ Important: During installation, check "Add Python to PATH"

2️⃣ Clone or Download the Project

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


cd Secure File Encryption & Decryption Tool

Or manually download and extract the project folder.

3️⃣ (Optional) Create a Virtual Environment

python -m venv venv

Activate it:

Windows

venv\Scripts\activate

macOS / Linux

source venv/bin/activate

4️⃣ Install Required Packages

pip install cryptography customtkinter

Verify installation:

python -c "import cryptography, customtkinter"

▶️ How to Run the Application

python mainapp.py

After running, the GUI window will open.

🔐 How Encryption Works

  1. User selects a file using the Browse File button.

  2. User enters a password.

  3. Password is validated using a live password strength meter.

  4. A secure encryption key is derived using PBKDF2 + SHA-256.

  5. AES-256-GCM encrypts the file with a random salt and nonce.

  6. Encrypted file is saved with .enc extension.

  7. Success message displays encrypted file location.

🔓 How Decryption Works

  1. User selects an encrypted .enc file.

  2. User enters the same password used for encryption.

  3. The encryption key is regenerated using PBKDF2.

  4. AES-256-GCM decrypts the file.

  5. Original file is restored if password is correct.

  6. Error message is shown for incorrect passwords or corrupted files.

🔑 Password Strength Meter

The application includes a real-time password strength meter based on:

  • Password length

  • Uppercase characters

  • Lowercase characters

  • Digits

  • Special symbols

  • Strength Levels:

  • Weak (Red)

  • Medium (Yellow)

  • Strong (Orange)

  • Very Strong (Green)

  • Weak and medium passwords are blocked during encryption.

🎨 GUI Overview

  • Sidebar navigation (Encrypt, Decrypt, Settings, About)

  • Modern buttons, spacing, and typography

  • Responsive layout

  • Dark / Light mode toggle

  • Password visibility toggle

  • Progress bars for encryption feedback

🧪 Security Design Highlights

  • AES-256-GCM ensures confidentiality and integrity

  • Random salt prevents rainbow-table attacks

  • Nonce ensures unique encryption per file

  • Keys are never stored on disk

  • Passwords are never saved in plaintext

  • Encryption logic separated from GUI logic

  • Industry-standard cryptography practices followed

🖥️ Create Standalone Executable (Optional)

Install PyInstaller:

pip install pyinstaller

Build executable:

pyinstaller --onefile --windowed mainapp.py

The executable will be available in the dist/ folder.

📚 Learning Outcomes

  • Understanding of symmetric encryption (AES)

  • Secure password-based key derivation

  • GUI development with CustomTkinter

  • Secure file handling in Python

  • Multi-threaded desktop applications

  • Real-world cryptography implementation

  • Secure software design principles

🚀 Future Enhancements

  1. Folder encryption support

  2. Secure file deletion (shredding)

  3. Master password login system

  4. Key rotation support

  5. Hybrid encryption (AES + RSA)

  6. Cloud storage integration

  7. Two-factor authentication (2FA)

  8. Auto-lock and retry limits

👨‍💻 Author

Developed by (© Syed Shaheer Hussain) A professional Python-based cryptography and secure software project.

📄 License

Important

This project is intended for educational and academic purposes. Use responsibly and follow local data protection laws.

⭐ Final Note

Note

This project demonstrates practical implementation of modern encryption standards with a professional GUI. It is suitable for Final Year Projects (FYP), portfolio showcases, and learning secure software development.

⭐ Support & Engagement

If you find this repository useful or insightful, please consider:

  • ⭐ Starring the repository
  • 🔁 Sharing it within your network
  • 👤 Following my GitHub profile for future projects and updates

Your support helps drive continued innovation and open-source contributions.

— Syed Shaheer Hussain

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