Secure Messaging

A secure, real-time messaging application built using React for the frontend, with Firebase providing authentication, data storage via Firestore, and backend logic through Cloud Functions.

Features

• User Authentication: Secure login and registration using Firebase Authentication with Google IdP
• Real-time Messaging: Messages are stored and retrieved in real-time using Firestore.
• Encrypted Messages: Messages are encrypted client-side before being sent to Firestore.
• Scalable Backend: Utilizes Firebase Cloud Functions for server-side logic.

Prerequisites

• Node.js (v23 or above)
• npm
• Firebase CLI (for deployment)

Getting Started

1. Clone the Repository

git clone [email protected]:juk80x/secure-messaging.git
cd secure-messaging-app

2. Install Dependencies

npm install
cd functions/
npm install

3. Setup Environment Variables

1. Navigate back to project directory

cd ../

2. Get the configuration for your project

firebase project:get-config --project [PROJECT_ID]

3. Create a .env file in the root of your project for sensitive information:

FIREBASE_API_KEY=your_api_key_here
FIREBASE_AUTH_DOMAIN=your_auth_domain_here
FIREBASE_PROJECT_ID=your_project_id_here
FIREBASE_STORAGE_BUCKET=your_storage_bucket_here
FIREBASE_MESSAGING_SENDER_ID=your_messaging_sender_id_here
FIREBASE_APP_ID=your_app_id_here

Development

Run the Development server:

npm start

Runs the app in the development mode.
Open http://localhost:3000 to view it in your browser.

The page will reload when you make changes.
You may also see any lint errors in the console.

Building for Production

npm run build

Builds the app for production to the build folder.
It correctly bundles React in production mode and optimizes the build for the best performance.

The build is minified and the filenames include the hashes.
Your app is ready to be deployed!

Deployment

Deploying to Firebase Hosting

First, ensure you are logged into Firebase:

firebase login

Then, initialize Firebase in your Project:

firebase init

Choose Hosting and Functions when prompted. Follow the steps, selecting your existing Firebase project.

To deploy both your React app and Cloud Functions:

firebase deploy

Security

• Authentication: Uses Firebase Authentication for secure user management.
• Data Security: Firestore rules are set to ensure only authenticated users can read/write messages.
• Encryption: Client-side encryption before data is sent to Firestore for additional security.