ShadowCrypt: A Secure Cryptography Tool for Encoding and Decoding (LATEST)

Introduction to ShadowCrypt

ShadowCrypt is an innovative open-source application designed to make secure communication accessible to everyone. Whether you're encrypting sensitive text, decoding messages, or translating text into Morse or binary code, ShadowCrypt provides a user-friendly interface powered by robust cryptographic techniques. Developed under the BSD 3-Clause Clear License, ShadowCrypt is a collaborative project led by Vedant Gandhi and Khush Shah, with a vision to enhance privacy and security in digital communication.

With its upcoming launch on May 11th, 2025, at 1:00 PM IST, ShadowCrypt is poised to become a go-to tool for developers, security enthusiasts, and anyone interested in cryptography. In this blog post, we’ll explore ShadowCrypt’s features, its development roadmap, how you can contribute, and why it’s a project worth watching.

Key Features of ShadowCrypt

ShadowCrypt stands out with its blend of simplicity and powerful functionality. Here are some of its core features:

1. Text Encryption and Decryption: Securely encrypt and decrypt text using the Fernet symmetric encryption algorithm. Generate or input 8-digit numeric keys for easy yet secure key management.

2. Morse and Binary Translation: Convert text to Morse or binary code in two modes—Authentic (standard) and Secret (custom mapping for added obfuscation). Decode messages back to plain text effortlessly.

3. User Authentication: Robust user authentication with SHA-256 hashed passwords, supporting up to two users for secure access.

4. Cross-Platform Compatibility: Built with PySide6 (and previously PyQt5), ShadowCrypt is optimised for macOS Silicon, with plans to support Windows and Linux in future releases.

5. Intuitive GUI: A modern, responsive interface with tabs for cryptography and dictionary operations, ensuring a seamless user experience.

Development Roadmap

ShadowCrypt is actively evolving, with three key versions already in development:

• v1.0.beta1 (Release: May 11, 2025, 1:00 PM IST): The initial release, featuring basic encryption/decryption and Morse/binary translation using PyQt5. It includes file-based encryption and a simple authentication system.

• v1.0.2 (Release: May 15, 2025, 12:00 PM IST): An improved version with PySide6, introducing a simplified key generation system for text encryption. This version focuses on stability and usability enhancements.

• v2.0.alpha1 (Release: May 17, 2025, 12:00 PM IST): A major upgrade with a revamped GUI, email-based OTP password recovery, and HKDF-based key derivation for enhanced security. It also introduces a .env file for secure configuration.

Future versions will focus on:

• Optimising the GUI for better accessibility and aesthetics.

• Expanding platform support beyond macOS Silicon to Windows and Linux.

• Adding advanced cryptographic algorithms and multi-user support.

How to Use ShadowCrypt

Getting started with ShadowCrypt is straightforward:

1. Installation: Clone the repository from GitHub and install dependencies (PySide6, cryptography, python-dotenv, etc.).

2. Setup: Run the application for the first time to create a user account. The setup process initializes the authentication file and data directory.

3. Cryptography Tab: Enter text, generate or input an 8-digit key, and encrypt or decrypt with a single click.

4. Dictionary Tab: Choose between Authentic or Secret mode, input text, and translate to/from Morse or binary code.

5. Feedback: After 2–5 days of use, fill out the Survey Form to share your experience and help shape future releases.

Contribute to ShadowCrypt

ShadowCrypt is an open-source project, and we welcome contributions! Here’s how you can get involved:

• Fork and Test: Clone the repository, test the application, and suggest improvements via pull requests.

• Suggest Features: Propose at least three new features that enhance ShadowCrypt’s functionality. Examples include:

  • Support for additional encryption algorithms (e.g., AES-256).

  • Real-time collaboration for shared key management.

  • Export/import functionality for encrypted messages.

• Report Bugs: Identify and report at least five bugs or issues. Potential areas to check:

  • GUI responsiveness on different screen resolutions.

  • Edge cases in Morse/binary translation (e.g., invalid characters).

  • Key generation consistency across platforms.

  • Authentication errors during concurrent access.

  • File handling issues in packaged applications (e.g., PyInstaller).

• Contact Us: Email your suggestions or bug reports to vedant.storm@gmail.com or reach out via platforms listed on Vedant Gandhi’s GitHub profile. Exceptional contributions will earn a mention in the Acknowledgements section!

Why ShadowCrypt Matters

In an era where data privacy is paramount, tools like ShadowCrypt empower users to protect their communications without relying on proprietary software. Its open-source nature ensures transparency, while its active development roadmap promises continuous improvements. Whether you’re a developer looking to contribute to a meaningful project or a user seeking a reliable cryptography tool, ShadowCrypt offers something for everyone.

Join the ShadowCrypt Community

Ready to dive in? Here’s how you can stay connected:

• GitHub: Star and fork the repository at https://github.com/VeduStorm/shadow-crypt.

• Survey: Share your feedback via the Survey Form after trying ShadowCrypt.

• Contact: Reach out to Vedant Gandhi or Khush Shah for collaboration opportunities.

Let’s build a more secure digital world together with ShadowCrypt!

Credits

• Developed by: Vedant Gandhi & Khush Shah

• License: BSD 3-Clause Clear License

• Acknowledgements: Stay tuned for contributors who suggest features or report bugs!

Join us on this exciting journey as we launch ShadowCrypt on May 11, 2025. Your feedback and contributions will shape its future!