Cloud computing has revolutionized the way data is stored, accessed, and shared. Modern businesses and individuals rely heavily on cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive for their convenience, scalability, and remote accessibility. These services allow users to upload large volumes of data and access it from anywhere in the world. However, the convenience of cloud storage comes with significant concerns regarding data security, privacy, and integrity.
In most existing cloud systems, encryption is handled by the service provider, which means users do not have direct control over the encryption keys. This can lead to potential exposure of sensitive information, either from external attacks or internal breaches. Moreover, users cannot be entirely sure if their data has been tampered with or if unauthorized access has occurred.
To address these challenges, the project titled “Encrypted Cloud Storage System Using AES-GCM” has been developed. The system ensures that all files are encrypted before they leave the user’s system, using AES-GCM (Advanced Encryption Standard in Galois/Counter Mode), which provides both confidentiality and authentication. By integrating PBKDF2-based key derivation, the system guarantees strong encryption keys resistant to brute-force attacks. The encrypted files are stored on the server, while metadata including original filename, size, timestamp, and encryption IV are maintained in a MySQL database.
The project provides a web-based interface using JSP, enabling users to perform file operations such as upload, download, listing, and deletion seamlessly. This approach not only ensures security but also enhances user experience, demonstrating the practical application of modern cryptography in cloud storage.