CyberRune is an open-source Peer-To-Peer Messaging App that avoids the usage of central servers to create a more robust and honest messaging system. It is designed for usage in countries without freedom of internet, to try avoid the lack of messaging servers and ensure free speech.
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True Peer-to-Peer Messaging
No central relays mean peers can talk to each other in perfect privacy using a robust and decentralised system -
End-to-End Encryption
Messages and file transfers are encrypted using AES and ED25519 signatures to ensure maximum security and privacy -
Secure File Transfers
Files are encrypted before being sent and securely decrypted upon receipt -
Timeable Messages Messages can be set to automatically lock or unlock after a certain amount of time
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Easily Adjustable Settings Many different options exist on how to adjust key aspects such as theme and date format for maximum customisability
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Logging & Debug Mode
Backend and frontend logs include warnings, errors, and event traces for easier debugging -
Electron Frontend Integration
Clean and responsive interface with real-time updates powered by the backend Flask API -
QoL Features A variety of QoL features are available, such as the ability to natively view images without download, draft saving and the ability to download sent files in just one click
- Python is used to form the backend of the project
- The socket module is used to handle connections using the TCP protocol
- AES is used through the cryptography module, with DHE being used to securely generate and share the key
- Messages are authenticated using ED25519, and we use HMAC to ensure messages have not been tampered with
- SQL is used to track users and messages using sqlite3, and we encrypt these using Fernet keys stored using keyring
- Logging is done through the logging module, which allows for different warning levels to avoid clutter
- Flask API is used to provide a gateway for the frontend to render the project
- Electron is used to render the frontend, relying on the Chromium engine to render the HTML, CSS and Javascript that provides a clear user display
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I improved my network skills, and learnt different techniques such as DHE to ensure secure P2P communication
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I learnt about hashing and its importance in ensuring data has not been malformed or tampered with
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I improved my cybersecurity skills and knowledge by learning about Elliptical Curve Cryptography and its benefits over standard methods such as RSA
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I learnt how to use SQL and its power for database management
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I significantly improved my frontend skills, notably my JavaScript abilities due to the high complexity of this project
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I improved my problem solving skills by having to consider how to overcome the restrictions provided by a lack of central servers
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This is my biggest project to date, so I had to learn how to deal with management of big projects, such as being forced to adhere to good practices and improve my time management
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TURN implemenation to deal with NAT Traversal
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Group Chats to help my project compete with traditional systems such as WhatsApp and Signal
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Offline Message Storing for when peers are offline to help with the UX
Messages Display
Settings Display
Key Display
