SafeShare - Secure File Transfer System with MySQL Backend

SafeShare is a fully functional secure file transfer application built with a Java Swing UI and a MySQL database for persistent data storage and access control.

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Overview

SafeShare enables secure management and sharing of files with a robust two-role system — Administrator and User — ensuring that sensitive documents are only accessed by authorized individuals.

Users Can:

• Register for an account with enhanced validation:
  • Password strength checker
  • Mobile number validation (10 digits only)
  • Input field validation
• Log in securely to their personal dashboard
• Browse a list of available files
• Request access to specific files
• View approved files using a unique access key

Administrators Can:

• Manage the entire file repository (upload/delete)
• View and manage all user access requests
• Approve or reject file access requests
• View detailed user profiles before granting access

All data is persistently stored in a MySQL database, ensuring user information, files, and access rights are retained between sessions.

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Project Structure

SafeShare/
├── src/main/java/com/example/securefiletransfer/
│   ├── SecureFileTransfer.java   # Main application entry point
│   ├── DatabaseManager.java      # JDBC operations & database layer
│   ├── AdminPanel.java           # Admin dashboard UI and logic
│   ├── UserPanel.java            # User dashboard UI and logic
│   ├── LoginPanel.java           # Login screen UI
│   ├── RegisterPanel.java        # Registration screen UI
│   ├── FileHandler.java          # Logic for viewing/handling files
│   ├── PasswordStrengthDots.java # Custom UI component for password strength
│   └── ... (other UI and helper classes)
│
├── database/
│   └── database.sql              # Complete MySQL database schema
│
└── pom.xml                       # Maven project configuration and dependencies

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System Requirements

Component	Version
Java Development Kit (JDK)	17 or higher
Apache Maven	3.6 or higher
MySQL Server	5.7 or higher
OS	Windows / Linux / macOS
RAM	Minimum 512 MB
Disk Space	50 MB (application + database)

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Installation Instructions

Step 1: Prerequisites

• Install JDK 17+
• Install Apache Maven
• Install and run MySQL Server

Step 2: Clone the Repository

git clone https://github.com/yourusername/SafeShare.git
cd SafeShare

Step 3: Setup MySQL Database

Start your MySQL Server, then run:

CREATE DATABASE IF NOT EXISTS secure_file_transfer;
USE secure_file_transfer;
-- Execute the full content of database/database.sql

Step 4: Configure Database Connection

Edit src/main/java/com/example/securefiletransfer/DatabaseManager.java and update these lines:

private static final String DB_URL = "jdbc:mysql://localhost:3306/secure_file_transfer";
private static final String DB_USER = "your_username";
private static final String DB_PASSWORD = "your_password"; // Change if needed

Step 5: Compile the Application

mvn clean install

Step 6: Run the Application

mvn exec:java -Dexec.mainClass="com.example.securefiletransfer.SecureFileTransfer"

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Default Login Credentials

Role	Username	Password
Administrator	admin	00000

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Features

User & Admin Management

• Role-based access (User/Admin)
• Secure login system
• Registration with validation
• Password strength indicator

Admin Panel

• Upload/Delete files
• View and approve/reject requests
• View user details before approval

User Panel

• Request file access
• View approved files via access key
• In-app file viewer for PDF, Images, and Text

Data Persistence & Security

• Data stored in MySQL
• Prevents SQL injection (PreparedStatement)
• Clear UI-database separation
• Enhanced input validation
• Optimized form performance

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Database Schema

Tables:

• users – Stores user accounts, credentials, and roles
• files – Stores file metadata and content (LONGBLOB)
• requests – Tracks file access requests, status, and keys

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Troubleshooting

Maven/Compilation Errors

• Run: mvn clean install
• Verify main class path

Database Errors

• Ensure MySQL is running and accessible on port 3306
• Verify credentials in DatabaseManager.java
• Run SHOW TABLES; to confirm database setup

Login Issues

• Ensure default admin was inserted by database.sql
• Verify DB connection

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Security Considerations

Current Implementation:

• Parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection
• Passwords stored in plain text (demo purpose)

For Production:

• Use password hashing (e.g., bcrypt)
• Encrypt files before storing
• Implement audit logging

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Future Enhancements

• File encryption at rest
• Email notifications for request updates
• File download functionality
• User group management
• Enhanced admin controls
• Search and filtering options
• Email validation
• Additional form validations
• Enhanced mobile number formatting

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Last Updated: October 19, 2025
Status: Completed

Recent Updates

October 19, 2025

• Enhanced mobile number validation:
  • Strictly enforces 10-digit requirement
  • Real-time validation using DocumentFilter
  • Only allows numeric input
• Improved registration form:
  • Optimized scrolling performance
  • Added helpful tooltips
  • Clear fields after successful registration
• Removed address field from system
  • Updated database schema
  • Simplified registration process
  • Migration script provided