QR-based Fernet Encryption and Decryption Framework for File Protection System (QR-FEDF)

With the increasing demand for secure file-sharing mechanisms, crptographic encryption combined with QR codes has emerged as an efficient and reliable approach to safeguarding sensitive data [1]. This paper presents a secure file transfer system that employs the Fernet symmetric encryption algorithm to encrypt files and encodes the encrypted file path into a $Q R$ code for seamless sharing [2]. The system enhances security by dynamically generating cryptography keys, ensuring that unauthorized access is nearly impossible [3]. Additionally, it integrates user authentication mechanisms, adding an extra layer of security and ensuring that only legitimate users can decrypt and access the shared files [4]. Unlike traditional file-sharing methods that are prone to data breaches, phishing attacks, and unauthorized interceptions [5], this approach mitigates such vulnerabilities by eliminating the need for manual key exchanges. By automating encryption, QR code generation, and secure key management, the system minimizes human errors and makes the process both user-friendly and highly secure [6]. The adoption of AES-based encryption ensures strong resistance against bruteforce attacks [1], while the two-factor authentication (2FA) feature prevents unauthorized decryption attempts [7]. This research explores the step-by-step architecture of the system, including its workflow, encryption model, and security evaluations [2]. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed framework provides high-speed encryption and decryption, making it feasible for real-time applications [6]. Additionally, QRbased key management significantly enhances usability and accessibility while maintaining a high level of data protection [7]. The system is cross-platform compatible, supporting Windows, mac OS, Linux, and mobile devices, ensuring broad usability in various environments [4]. By leveraging QR code technology for secure key distribution, this solution offers a lightweight yet highly robust alternative to conventional encryption-based file-sharing techniques [5]. The proposed framework not only strengthens data confidentiality and integrity but also simplifies the process of secure file transfer, making it suitable for diverse applications, including government, corporate, and personal data protection [6]. Future research may focus on scalability, integration with cloud storage, and adaptive encryption mechanisms to further enhance security and performance [].