Enhancing URL Security and Access Control Using Hash-Based Shortening Algorithm

Shortening URLs has become an integral part of modern digital communication, as it simplifies long and complex internet addresses, making them more user-friendly. However, conventional URL shortening methods often lack adequate security provisions, leaving shortened links vulnerable to various risks. This project aims to develop a secure URL-shortening service by incorporating a hash-based access control mechanism. By using a hash-based approach, we can significantly enhance the security of shortened URLs. In this method, a unique hash value is generated for each URL, which serves as a link to the shortened URL. The generated hash is highly resistant to decryption, making it difficult for unauthorized users to retrieve the original URL, thereby ensuring that only the intended recipient can access the link. The goal of this project is to develop a protected and secure URL-shortening service that utilizes a hash-based access control mechanism. By generating a unique hash for each shortened URL, the system will enhance both security and user privacy. Furthermore, the implementation of granular access control will be a key factor in maintaining the system's overall security. SHA-256 can be utilized to generate unique, unpredictable shortened URLs by creating secure hash values. Integrating OAuth2 and JWT provides robust access control, enabling seamless user authentication and authorization across multiple systems. Additionally, AES encryption ensures the protection of sensitive data by offering strong encryption, safeguarding both the original URL and user information.