Secure TCP/IP Chatroom with File Transfer

This project is a Secure, Multi-client TCP/IP Chatroom built in Python. It has been upgraded from a basic text chat to a feature-rich, encrypted communication system.

Key Features

• 🔒 Secure Encrypted Chat: All messages are encrypted using SSL/TLS (self-signed certificates), ensuring privacy from network snooping.
• 🕵️ Anonymous Mode: Join without a nickname to be assigned a random identity (e.g., Anon#1234). No password required.
• 📁 File Transfer: Broadcast files to all connected users using the /send command.
• ⚡ JSON Protocol: Uses a robust JSON-based protocol for reliable data and file exchange.
• 🛡️ Admin Privileges: Admins can kick/ban users (requires password login).

Project Structure

.
├── Chat-On/
│   ├── server.py           # Secure Server script
│   ├── client.py           # Secure Client script
│   ├── generate_cert.py    # Script to generate SSL keys
│   ├── server.crt          # SSL Certificate (generated)
│   ├── server.key          # SSL Private Key (generated)
│   ├── servers.json        # Server configuration
│   └── downloads/          # Received files are saved here
└── README.md               # Documentation

Prerequisites

• Python 3.x
• cryptography library

Setup Instructions

1. Install Dependencies

pip install cryptography

2. Generate SSL Certificates

Before running the server, you must generate the self-signed certificates:

cd Chat-On
python generate_cert.py

This will create server.crt and server.key.

Usage

1. Start the Server

python server.py

You will see: Secure Server Listening...

2. Start a Client

Open a new terminal (or multiple) and run:

python client.py

3. Login Options

• Anonymous: Leave the Nickname field BLANK and press Enter. You will be Anon#XXXX.
• Admin: Enter nickname admin. You will be prompted for the password (adminpass by default).
• Regular User: Enter any other unique nickname.

4. Commands

• Send File: /send <path_to_file>

  • Example: /send C:\Images\my_photo.jpg
  • The file will be sent to all other users and saved in their downloads/ folder.

• Admin Only:

  • /kick <nickname>: Kick a user.
  • /ban <nickname>: Ban a user (prevents rejoin).

License

This project is open-source and available for modification under the MIT License.