A SEMINAR REPORT
ON
“Personal Cloud File Storage System Report”
Submitted in the partial fulfillment for the award of Bachelor of Engineering
degree in Computer Science & Design.
Submitted By
Rifa Noorain (4AD22CG039)
BiBi Sadiya (4AD22CG049)
Ayman Shariff (4AD22CG007)
Mohammed Taj Khan MF (4AD22CG028)
Under the Guidance of
Prof.Darshini Y
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Computer Science & Design
ATME College of Engineering,
Mysuru-570028
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE & DESIGN
ATME College of Engineering
th
13 Kilometer, Mysuru-Kanakapura-Bengaluru Road,
Mysuru-570028
2024-2025
ATME College of Engineering
th
13 Kilometer, Mysuru-Kanakapura-Bengaluru Road, Mysuru-570028
Department of Computer Science and Design
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the Seminar Work “Personal Cloud File Storage System Report”
is the Bonafide work carried out by the team in partial fulfillment for the award of
degree of Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science and Design from Visvesvaraya
Technological University, Belagavi during the year 2024- 2025.
Signature of the Guide Signature of the Coordinator Signature of the H.O.D
Prof. Darshini Y Prof .Darshini Y Dr. Nasreen Fathima
Assistant Professor Assistant Professor Professor & H.O.D
Dept. of CSD Dept. of CSD Dept. of CSD
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The successful completion of our work would be incomplete without the mention of the
names of the people who have made it possible. I am indebted to several individuals who have
helped me to complete the report.
I am thankful to Dr. L Basavaraju, Principal, ATME College of Engineering, Mysuru,
for having supported us in our academic endeavors.
I am extremely thankful to Dr. Nasreen Fathima, Professor and HOD, Department of
Computer Science and Design, for her valuable support and his timely inquiries into the
progress of the work.
I express my earnest gratitude towards my seminar coordinator Prof. Darshini Y
Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, who helped me in
getting things done.
I am obliged to all teaching and non-teaching staff members of Department of Computer
Science and Engineering, Mysuru for the valuable information provided by them in their respective
fields. I am grateful for their co-operation during the period of my seminar.
Lastly, I thank almighty, parents and friends for their constant encouragement and
support, for helping me in completing the seminar successfully.
ABSTRACT
In the era of digital transformation, where remote work, cross-device collaboration,
and data mobility have become standard, the need for secure and efficient file storage
solutions is more pressing than ever. The Personal Cloud File Storage System is
designed to address this need by offering a seamless, secure, and highly accessible
platform for users to store, manage, and retrieve their files from any location or
device. Built upon the scalable infrastructure of Google Cloud Storage, the system
ensures robust data integrity, high availability, and long-term durability, making it
suitable for both personal and professional use cases.
Security lies at the core of the system’s architecture. A user authentication process
ensures that only authorized individuals can access the platform. Upon successful
login, users can upload files, which are securely stored in the cloud. To retrieve these
files, users must use a unique transaction ID—a randomly generated identifier that
is automatically sent to their registered email address upon file upload. This email-
based verification mechanism adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that access
to sensitive files is tightly controlled and traceable.
To enhance usability and support, the system incorporates an AI-powered chatbot
that guides users throughout their interaction with the platform. Whether it’s
assisting with the login process, explaining how to upload or access files, or
answering security-related queries, the chatbot ensures a smooth and intuitive user
experience for individuals of all technical skill levels.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Cloud computing has significantly transformed the digital landscape, redefining
how data is stored, accessed, and managed across the internet. As the volume of
digital content continues to grow, individuals and organizations alike require
storage solutions that go beyond the limitations of traditional systems.
Conventional file storage methods—such as local hard drives, USB devices, or
basic networked storage—often lack the flexibility, accessibility, and scalability
needed to support today’s dynamic and mobile digital environments. Moreover,
they pose significant risks in terms of data security, device dependency, and
limited remote access capabilities.
To address these challenges, this project proposes the development of a cloud-
based file storage system that utilizes the advanced capabilities of the Google
Cloud Platform (GCP). Unlike traditional methods, this solution allows users to
upload, store, and manage files online through a centralized and secure cloud
environment. The system is designed to ensure high availability, data integrity,
and enhanced security, making it suitable for a wide range of users—from
students and professionals to enterprises.
Key features of the system include user authentication, which ensures that only
authorized individuals can access the platform, and secure file upload
mechanisms that protect data in transit and at rest. A unique transaction ID is
generated and sent to the user’s registered email after each upload, serving as an
added layer of access control. Furthermore, the system integrates with Google
Cloud Storage for backend data handling, ensuring reliability and scalability. To
enhance user interaction and provide real-time assistance, an intelligent chatbot
assistant is also incorporated, offering guidance, answering queries.
Existing System
Current file storage systems typically fall into two categories: local
storage and cloud-based platforms.
• Local Storage Devices such as USB drives, external hard disks, and
personal computers are still widely used. However, they are vulnerable
to loss, theft, damage, and hardware failure, making them unreliable for
long-term or critical storage.
• Cloud Platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive offer
convenient access to files from any device with an internet connection.
While effective, they often come with storage limits, require paid
subscriptions for extended use, and offer limited customization, especially
when it comes to backend processes or advanced security configurations.
Limitations
• Manual File Handling: Users have to organize, manage, and track their files
manually, which is time-consuming and prone to errors.
• Limited Backend Control: There’s little room to customize how files are
stored, secured, or accessed behind the scenes.
• Standard Security Protocols: Most platforms offer basic security but lack
support for customized or enhanced security models.
• No Transaction-Based Verification: User identity is generally verified only at
login, with no system in place for per-upload or per-download verification,
such as a unique transaction ID.
Proposed System
The Personal Cloud File Storage System is a secure, flexible, and easy-to-use
cloud-based platform built using the Flask web framework and Google Cloud
Storage (GCS). This system is designed to provide users with reliable file storage
capabilities, strong authentication, and streamlined access to uploaded content, all
while enhancing the user experience through automation and real-time support.
At its core, the system allows users to log in, upload files, and receive a unique
transaction ID via email that links directly to their file stored in GCS. An
integrated chatbot assistant is also included to help users throughout the process,
ensuring a smooth and intuitive experience.
Key Features
User Login & Authentication
Users are required to log in using a valid username and password. This ensures that
only authorized users can access the platform, protecting sensitive data from secure
user sessions.unauthorized uploads or access.
Upload Interface
The system includes a simple and user-friendly web interface that allows users to
upload files with ease. Along with the file, users enter an email address where they
will receive a confirmation and access link.
Google Cloud Storage Integration
All uploaded files are stored in a designated Google Cloud Storage bucket, using
secure service account credentials. This integration guarantees high durability,
scalability, and availability of user files.
Transaction ID System
Each uploaded file is assigned a unique transaction ID, which acts as both a
verification code and an access identifier.
Email Notification System
The system uses Flask-Mail to send automated email notifications after every
successful upload. These emails include the transaction ID and a direct link to the
stored file in Google Cloud.
Chatbot Assistant
An intelligent chatbot is integrated into the platform to assist users in real time. It
guides them through steps like logging in, uploading files, receiving transaction
IDs, and resolving common issues.
Advantages
Secure Cloud-Based Storage
The system leverages Google Cloud Storage to ensure that all uploaded files are
stored with high levels of security, availability, and redundancy..
Transaction ID for Enhanced Confidentiality
Each file upload generates a unique transaction ID that is sent only to the user’s
registered email.
Scalable and Reliable Backend
By using Google Cloud’s scalable infrastructure, the system can handle increasing
amounts of data and user traffic without compromising performance
Real-Time Chatbot Assistance
An integrated chatbot provides instant support and guidance, helping users
navigate the platform, resolve issues, and understand system features. This
improves user experience, especially for those unfamiliar with cloud technologies..
Implementation
The development of the Personal Cloud File Storage System involves a
combination of modern web technologies, cloud services, and secure
communication protocols. The system is divided into several components, each
serving a specific function in the overall architecture.
Backend
The backend is developed using Flask, a lightweight and powerful Python web
framework. Flask handles routing, file processing, session management, and
integration with both cloud and email services.
Frontend
The user interface is built using standard HTML and CSS, with styling guided by
a ColorHunt color palette for an aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly design.
Basic JavaScript (JS) is used for dynamic behaviors and form handling, ensuring
smooth user interactions.
Storage
Files uploaded by users are stored in a Google Cloud Storage (GCS) bucket. This
allows for scalable, secure, and high-performance storage. GCS ensures that data is
automatically replicated and available across regions.
Email Notifications
Email functionality is implemented using Flask-Mail, which is configured to send
notifications via SMTP (Gmail). Upon successful upload, the system
automatically sends the user an email containing a unique transaction ID.
Authentication
User sessions are managed using Flask’s session management. Only
authenticated users can access the file upload feature, ensuring that file operations
are restricted to verified individuals.
Chatbot Integration
A real-time chatbot is embedded in the system to assist users. It responds to
predefined queries and is powered by the Gemini API accessed through
OpenRouter.
Google Cloud Integration
• A dedicated project was created on Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
• Cloud Storage API was enabled to support programmatic file handling.
• A Cloud Storage bucket was set up for storing user-uploaded files.
• A service account was created, and a secure JSON key was generated.
• The google.oauth2 library was used in the backend to authorize.
Security Measures
• The service account key is securely stored in a .env file to prevent exposure
of sensitive credentials.
• A unique transaction ID is generated for each file and shared only via
email, ensuring controlled access.
• Users must be authenticated via session login before being allowed to
upload files, reducing unauthorized usage.
WORK FLOW
Applications
• Academic Project Submissions: Students can securely upload and share
academic projects, simplifying the submission process.
• Resume/CV Sharing: Job seekers can upload resumes and receive a unique,
shareable link for employers.
• Business File Sharing: Internal file sharing within organizations, ensuring
secure access with transaction IDs.
• Student Assignment Submissions: Streamlined and secure submission
platform for student assignments.
Advantages
• Cloud-Hosted and Accessible Globally: Files can be accessed from
anywhere, ensuring flexibility.
• Easy to Integrate and Scale: Easily accommodates growing data and user
demands.
• Email Confirmation for Security: Unique transaction IDs sent via email
for secure file access.
• Simple UI with Chatbot Support: User-friendly design.
Disadvantages
• Relies on Internet Connectivity: The system requires an internet
connection for uploading and accessing files.
• Chatbot Accuracy Depends on API: Chatbot responses are limited by the
Gemini API’s functionality and performance.
CONCLUSION
The Personal Cloud File Storage System successfully bridges the gap between
usability and security, providing a comprehensive solution for file storage and
sharing. By utilizing Google Cloud Storage and modern web technologies, the
system offers users a powerful, scalable, and secure platform that is both intuitive
and easy to navigate. The user interface is designed with simplicity in mind,
allowing individuals and organizations to upload, store, and share files seamlessly
without a steep learning curve.
One of the standout features of this system is the transaction-based verification
process, which ensures that only the intended recipient can access the uploaded
files. This mechanism not only enhances data security but also adds a layer of
professionalism to the file-sharing process, making it ideal for sensitive
documents and confidential information. With the added benefit of real-time
chatbot assistance, users receive continuous support, ensuring smooth interactions
at every step of the process.
The system also makes full use of cloud scalability, enabling it to grow alongside
the user’s needs. Whether it's for academic submissions, professional file
sharing, or business use, this platform is a highly adaptable tool that delivers
secure and reliable cloud-based storage. In an era where data accessibility,
security, and ease of use are paramount, this system provides a balanced and
innovative approach to managing and sharing files in the digital space
REFERENCES
1. Google Cloud Documentation: https://cloud.google.com/docs
2. Flask Documentation: https://flask.palletsprojects.com/
3. Flask-Mail: https://pythonhosted.org/Flask-Mail/
4. Google OAuth2 Python: https://google-auth.readthedocs.io/
5. OpenRouter Gemini API: https://openrouter.ai/docs
6. ChatGPT (for chatbot logic & help)
