Digital Time Capsule- Lock Today, Unlock Tomorrow: Web-Based Encrypted Time Storage
Abstract
The Digital Time Capsule is a secure, web-based system developed for time-locked storage and delayed retrieval of digital content. It enables users to upload documents, media files, and archives that remain inaccessible until a chosen future date and time. The platform applies a hybrid encryption model, where data is protected using AES-256 and the corresponding encryption key is secured with RSA to ensure confidentiality throughout storage and transfer. Encrypted files are stored in AWS S3, while PostgreSQL manages user records, capsule metadata, and access controls. A capsule-specific OTP mechanism based on Google Authenticator (TOTP) provides an additional authentication layer. To reduce brute-force risks, the system includes OTP attempt limits, timed lockouts, and automated email alerts triggered by repeated failed attempts. Access to each capsule is strictly controlled by a backend time-lock mechanism powered by APScheduler, ensuring that files can only be unlocked once the scheduled time has elapsed. Additional safeguards include controlled deletion using OTP-based approval, auto-unlock notifications, and activity tracking. Built using Flask, Python, and cloud-based security practices, the system offers a practical and reliable solution for digital preservation, legal archiving, and secure time-bound information storage.
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Author Biographies
Dr. Shivakumara T holds a doctoral degree in the Faculty of Applied Sciences, specialization in cybersecurity from Visvesvaraya Technological University, with a distinguished career spanning 17+ years in the Teaching-Learning field. Dr. Shivakumara has demonstrated expertise in Cybersecurity, Programming languages such as C, C++, Java, Web, DBMS, and Mobile Android applications, both theoretical and hands-on. Their professional contributions include teaching post-graduation courses prescribed by VTU and the Autonomous system, and guiding research scholars in the cybersecurity field. Furthermore, Shivakumara’s commitment to advancing their field is evident in their involvement in research work, publications, book chapters, and patenting.
Beyond their professional pursuits, Shivakumara is dedicated to the National Service Scheme extending activities in organization of blood donation camps, health checkup camps, plantation drives, plastic free abhiyan, kaveri calling, donations to orphanage, drug abuse, cybersecurity awareness programs for general public and school children, reflecting a strong commitment to community.
Dr. Muneshwara M. S. earned his B.E. degree from Adichunchanagiri Institute of Technology (AIT), Chikkamagaluru, in 2005, followed by an M.Tech from SJC Institute of Technology, Chikkaballapura, under Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) in 2012. He was awarded a Ph.D. from VTU, Karnataka, India, in 2024. His core research areas include Blockchain Technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), Wireless Sensor Networks, Quantum Computing, and Ad Hoc Networks. With two decades of academic experience, Eight design Patents has been applied, One Indian design Patent Grant , One UK Patent Grant he has published more than 22 research articles in international conferences and reputed journals indexed in the Scopus database.
Dr. Anand R has received his B.E (CSE), M.Tech (CSE), from Visveswariah Technological University (VTU), Belagavi, and Ph.D. from Presidency University,Bangalore,Karnataka,India. He has served in industry and academia in various capacities for more than a decade. He is currently working as Assistant Professor in Dept. of CSE, BMSIT&M, Bengaluru. Mr. Anand R has published more than 22 publications in reputed International Journals and conferences held in India and abroad. Some of papers published by him enjoy good citation in Google Scholar, Scopus, etc.. He has also been the member of various professional societies including MISTE (Life Member of India Society for Technical Education) and SEMCE many more.
Dr. Nagamani H S Reccived an Doctoral Degree in Computer Science from the University of Mysore. MS in the ComputerSystem From the University of Mysore. M.Phil in Computer Science and Engineering from Annamalai University, TN. Presently She is working as an associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science, Smt VHD Central Institute Of Home Science(Maharani Cluster University), Bangalore. Her Academic experience is 22 years. She has published her Research work in Web of Science, Scopus indexed Journals, IEEE conferences and International Journals. She has attended many Seminars and workshops. Worked As BOS member,BOE Chair Person,BOe Member. Presently Working As a Chairman,Department of Artifical Intelligence and Machine Learning,Maharani Cluster University, Bangaluru.
Preethi Hatui holds a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) from SFGC and a Master of Computer Applications (MCA) from BMS Institute of Technology, Bangalore. Her academic interests include software development, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, and emerging digital systems. She has worked on practical projects in web application development with a focus on secure and user-centric solutions. Preethi aims to build her career in the IT field and contribute to innovative research and real-world technological advancements.
Dr. P. Sudarsanam is an accomplished academician with 26 years of teaching experience in the field of Computer Science and Applications. He holds a Ph.D. from Anna University and serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of MCA.
He is an expert in Computer Networks and Machine Learning, with extensive knowledge across core computing domains. Over the years, he has taught a wide range of subjects, including Programming in C, C++, Data Structures, Java Programming, Design and Analysis of Algorithms (DAA), Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Dr. P Sudarsanam is committed to academic excellence, student development, and contributing to advancements in emerging technologies.
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