Thread: Cryptography application

Hello guys, I need to code a basic application for my cryptography class using JCE.
The problem is that I am not that familiar with java and I am quite lost and don't know how to start.

Basically I need to create a password keeping tool such as keepass.

How can I use JCE classes to build an application that encrypts a file containing passwords please?

If someone could explain to me simply how I can do that and how I can start that project, it would be really nice.

I am not asking yoy to do it for me, just to help me and show me how I can start it ( for example which classes to have etc..)

Thanks a lot

You've chosen a fairly complex application on which to test your wings. The encryption part isn't all that hard. You can find tutorials online that'll help you work through simple encrypt/decrypt exercises. But the application you'll need to build around that for the password keeping functionality will be a challenge for someone "not that familiar with Java." You can try starting with the Java Swing Tutorials to improve your Java skills, but I don't know how much time you have. We can't teach you what you need to know. That's not what we do here.

Good luck.

Hi thanks for your answer.

what do you mean by "But the application you'll need to build around that for the password keeping functionality will be a challenge for someone "not that familiar with Java." ?

I mean I ve already done java and I can build an application in netbeans using the drag and drop function, I have done some simple ones before. But I have no idea how to do the encryption part especially HOW to use JCE classes in order to encrypt a file with passwords.

This is an assignement due for next monday and what I need is just someone who can help me by telling me how to start such as the classes that I need to have etc..

For example, I assume in my application, I need to have an option ( button maybe) to add a new account (login/ password/ url and some notes) and then a JList maybe where will appear all the accounts I have created. But the thing is that , as in Keepass software, the password should appear crypted of course and all passwords should be encrypted in a text file ( and I don't how to do this "file" part).

I hope someone clarify me on how to start.

thanks

The professor told me that I need to have a file containing the crypted passwords. So that when we open it, we don't understand anything. But in the application, when I want to have see them my passwords, I will be asked to enter the passphare and I can see them decrypted. A simple encryption/decryption.

What do you advice me to do for the gui?
And which classes should I start with?

Here is a screen of the project so that you can understand it:

Visionneuse images - Noelshack

How can I have as in the screen for keepass a list of all accounts added (title, username, pass, etc..)



Thanks again

I think it can be easier in netbeans as I can use the drag and drop function provided. Should I just create one new class call it let's say "gui" for the moment?

When I used to code a little bit in java, I had some programs dealing with books manager for example and I had to create classes such: book, Member, profile, review, statistics, etc..

What should it be in this case?

I know that my main problem is that I forgot almost everything in java and that this is vague for me, that's why I might be asking weird questions, because I am just trying to remember what I used to do before

Did you see the screen of the assignement? How much time do you think it needs to be done?

thanks

Managing user names and passwords for email, network, accounts etc. can be a real hassle. A secure password solution consists in listing ones credentials (in the form of tuples <Title>,<Username>, <password>
<URL>,<Notes>) in a text file, then encrypting the entire file with a strong encryption algorithm requiring a pass phrase. To retrieve/update ones credentials, one has to have both the encrypted textfile (.kdb) and the secure password application at hand. In this project you are required to implement a GUI based secure
password solution, using Java Cryptographic Extension (JCE), and Java GUI packages. Users need to key in
the passphrase to be able to retrieve, modify and delete tuples. Every care should be given to the proper use of the transformation of the passphrase to a security key.
Beyond security, the application is expected to be functional, easy to use, and practical.

Hints: You can take inspiration from keePass software

As always, in order to encourage good coding practices in projects that include programming, I will grade your work on quality from both the user's and programmer's points of view. Each program should contain function-level and local comments as appropriate, as well as an explanation of the program's principles of operation.

Plus there is a screen shot of Keepass software.

"Is it possible to write the first version of the program without encrypting and decrypting the data file?" Are you asking me or is it an affirmation?

I have been thinking about that but I have clearly NO IDEA on how I can implement the password request option. This part "Users need to key in
the passphrase to be able to retrieve, modify and delete tuples. Every care should be given to the proper use of the transformation of the passphrase to a security key." seriosuly I have no idea how to do it.

Yes i've looked at the questions in post 6.

"Is it possible to write the first version of the program without encrypting and decrypting the data file?" Are you asking me or is it an affirmation?

Also I would like to ask you, how can I for example, when I click on a button to add a new account, then enter all necessary info, have every account added to a list (there should morre than a list no?) and also written to a file ( I will not care about encryption for now). And how can I implement the password function?

thanks

Ok I will think it about it more and then let you know after. thanks

i think than more that speaking ,will be nice a source code! ¬¬