xoron

joined 2 months ago
[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 days ago (2 children)

thanks for the tip!

can i just copy-paste that into the blog for free? if you want, and if you have github, i could list you as one of the authors.

ive tried hacker news (a prev post). its been mentioned before that its good for technical discussions. to me it seems pretty dry and unappealing to maintain a presence there (similar case for mastodon and discord). im faily new to lemmy and so far seems to yield the "most useful" feedback.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 days ago (1 children)

thanks for the tip. i think its to hard to find the balance. im banking on it improving with practice.

i'll try make an update for better intros to articles. i think i go in a bit too technical from the start.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 days ago

im faily new to blogging. that was added for setting up google ads. can you tell me what you mean by your comment?

 

https://positive-intentions.com/blog

https://www.reddit.com/r/positive_intentions/

i normally use reddit for what people normally do with a blog. this is because i dont know enough to drive traffic to my site. i recently created a Docusaurus blog for my app and id like to see more traffic go there when i set up ads. the amount of traffic i have right now is barely anything (about 30 per day), compared to the number of "views on reddit".

i regurgitated old reddit posts into articles. im not much of a writer and im sure the content can be improved to "flow better".

i created some images on my phone... i justify it as "it matches the theme"... its actually the best i can do without using some AI or an actual artist.

id like to set up some kind of ads on it when its looks like its in a better state and i can attract traffic.

let me know what you think i could/should do to make it better.

 

https://github.com/positive-intentions/chat

the code related to the video is a faily basic implementation using BabylonJS. it can be found here.

id like to see if i can get handpose-estimation to work well enough to be able to add to the BabylonJS render engine.

im working on something i hope will work like the 8thwall demo here. i couldnt find an open-source alternative to this so i thought id have a crack at it myself. my progress so far is as described here. i dont have much experience in creating games or graphics, so any guidance/help/advice is appriciated.

FAQ:

  • why should i use it? - its a proof-of-concept app. for testing and demo purposes only.
  • why create it? - it is a hobby project and i can be creative with the approach. its fun to work on.
  • what is it? - maybe this article helps.
 

https://github.com/positive-intentions/chat

the code related to the video is a faily basic implementation using BabylonJS. it can be found here.

id like to see if i can get handpose-estimation to work well enough to be able to add to the BabylonJS render engine.

im working on something i hope will work like the 8thwall demo here. i couldnt find an open-source alternative to this so i thought id have a crack at it myself. my progress so far is as described here. i dont have much experience in creating games or graphics, so any guidance/help/advice is appriciated.

FAQ:

  • why should i use it? - its a proof-of-concept app. for testing and demo purposes only.
  • why create it? - it is a hobby project and i can be creative with the approach. its fun to work on.
  • what is it? - maybe this article helps.
[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago

“connect to expressvpn and run the test”… is that actually what you were doing?

i tried with a different VPN provider but yeah. understandable for people to not go to an unknown websites like the demo i posted, so a link to the code on github is provided.

IMO you simply can’t do anything reasonably useful here

i agree... im stretching the definition of what is "reasonable". id settle some something clunky likes a popup for the user to remind them to be on VPN. its important to understand im putting efforts in determining what the safest and securest way is to use my app. i think it has the potential to be a private and secure chat app. the app works with webrtc, the key attack-surface is individuals and their peers not applying good security practices.

in traditional centralized chat system the central server will typically take responsibility for proxying request and consequently, the personal IP addresses are not needed to be shared. so having something like a toggle for "enforce VPN" might do nothing more than remind the user to turn on their VPN. but sometimes a reminder is what someone needs to use good security practices.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Thanks for the clear info! I'll investigate this further within the demo.

 

i want to understand more about WebRTC security when using vpn. id like to know if it is more secure with VPN than without... or even if its recommended to use WebRTC with VPN.

i created a webrtc demo: https://chat.positive-intentions.com/#/webrtc (the corresponding code its created with: https://github.com/positive-intentions/chat/blob/staging/src/components/pages/webrtc/WebRTC.jsx)

if i generate a "WebRTC offer" then i see a bunch of information including my IP address.

if i do the same with VPN, i see that my ip address isnt in that payload.

following the information here: https://thehackernews.com/2015/02/webrtc-leaks-vpn-ip-address.html?m=1

and using the demo here: https://ipleak.net/

it seems even with vpn, the local ISP ip seems detected.

a recurring concern ive had on reddit about the security of my app is that webrtc exposes ip addresses. im investigating using the app with vpn. it seems to work like normal.

in the example details given above, i see while the local ISP IP is exposed, the personal ip address is still hidden. im sure what is exposed there is not worthless, but it could help users with privacy and security.

on the back of this investigation id like to see if i can add something like a toggle in my app called "enforce VPN" which will first check to see if you are on a vpn, and if you are, open the rest of the app.

my app is using peerjs-server as the connection broker. this is a third party i have no contractual agreement to provide me with a service. it could help to hide your IP from this service.

 

a decentralized P2P todo list app to to demo the P2P framework used in the chat app.

https://github.com/positive-intentions/chat

It is a wrapper around peerjs. peerjs is good, but it can become complicated to use on bigger projects. This implementation is an attempt to create something like a framework/guideline for decentralized messaging and state management.

https://positive-intentions.github.io/p2p/?path=/story/demo-todo-list--basic

how it works:

  1. crypto-random ids are generated and used to connect to peerjs-server (to broker a webrtc connection)
  2. peer1 shares this ID to another browser/tab/person (use the storybook props)
  3. peers are then automatically connected.
  4. add todo item
  5. edit todo item

There are several things here to improve like:

  • general cleanup throughout (its early stage for this project and missing all the nice things like good-code and unit-tests)
  • adding extra encryption keys for messages comming in and going out (webrtc mandates encryption already)
  • handling message callbacks
  • key rotation
[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago

thanks for the detailed information. this is the answer i was looking for.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Not cool. It's hard enough trying to promote projects like this.

Unless you want to he honeypotted stay away…

I can't be more transparent than open sourcing it with instructions on selfhosting.

I drew the logo on my phone. I'm not an artist.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

this app is in javascript... completely different to java. you should ask in something like chatgpt, it'll do a better job at explaining the difference than me.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago

id like to make it clear that the app is using webrtc which requires IP addresses to be exchanged which could result in IP address being exposed when using the public peerjs-server (hosting your own is an option). this app is explicitly NOT for anonymous communication. it explicitly shares IP addresses and data sent/recieved from peers cannot be moderated. the app is using cryptographically random ID’s for profiles to make sure they are unguessable. the connection details have to explicitly be shared.

the app is pretty experimental in how it works so there isnt any useful documentation on it apart from what is mentioned in the post. if you have questions, feel free to ask and i can try to explain the best i can.

 

im working on a decentralized chat app. i open sourced it to get feedback on the implementation.

for a project like this, its important for it to be open source in order to gain user confidence in the security. but i find that the project is too complicated for pro-bono security assessment work (which is understandable).

fiverr probably isnt the best place to find reputable support, but i wanted to see the prices. it seems to range from 50 to 5k+

i wont be getting the support any time soon, but id like guage an estimate. i havent done something like this before so any/all advice is appriciated.

i created a threat-model which may help: https://positive-intentions.com/docs/research/threat-model/

to explain my app in more detail: https://medium.com/@positive.intentions.com/introducing-decentralized-chat-377c4aa37978

github repo: https://github.com/positive-intentions/chat

13
submitted 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
 

chat.positive-intentions.com

github.com/positive-intentions/chat

I'm excited to share with you an instant messaging application I've been working on that might interest you. This is a chat app designed to work within your browser, with a focus on browser-based security and decentralization.

What makes this app unique is that it doesn't rely on messaging servers to function. Instead, it works based on your browser's javascript capabilities.

Here are some features of the app:

  • Encrypted messaging: Your messages are encrypted, making them more secure.
  • File sharing: Easily share files using WebRTC technology and QR codes.
  • Voice and video calls: Connect with others through voice and video calls.
  • Shared virtual space: Explore a shared mixed-reality space.
  • Image board: Browse and share images in a scrollable format.

Your security is a top priority. Here's how the app keeps you safe:

  • Decentralized authentication: No central server is required for login, making it harder for anyone to gain unauthorized access.
  • Unique IDs: Your ID is cryptographically random, adding an extra layer of security.
  • End-to-end encryption: Your messages are encrypted from your device to the recipient's device, ensuring only you and the recipient can read them.
  • Local data storage: Your data is stored only on your device, not on any external servers.
  • Self-hostable: You have the option to host the app on your own server if you prefer.

A decentralized infrastructure has many unique challenges and this is a unique approach. Ive taken previous feedback and made updates. Its important to note, the app is an unstable proof-of-concept and a work-in-progress. Its important to understand at this early stage in the project, there will be breaking changes. It is not ready to replace any existing apps or services. While the app is aiming to be an encrypted and secure chat system, the project is not mature enough to have been reviewed by security professionals and should not be considered encrypted or secure. it is provided for testing/review/feedback purposes.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

The live app

About the app

Even more about the app

Docs

Subreddit

13
submitted 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
 

chat.positive-intentions.com

github.com/positive-intentions/chat

I'm excited to share with you an instant messaging application I've been working on that might interest you. This is a chat app designed to work within your browser, with a focus on browser-based security and decentralization.

What makes this app unique is that it doesn't rely on messaging servers to function. Instead, it works based on your browser's javascript capabilities.

Here are some features of the app:

  • Encrypted messaging: Your messages are encrypted, making them more secure.
  • File sharing: Easily share files using WebRTC technology and QR codes.
  • Voice and video calls: Connect with others through voice and video calls.
  • Shared virtual space: Explore a shared mixed-reality space.
  • Image board: Browse and share images in a scrollable format.

Your security is a top priority. Here's how the app keeps you safe:

  • Decentralized authentication: No central server is required for login, making it harder for anyone to gain unauthorized access.
  • Unique IDs: Your ID is cryptographically random, adding an extra layer of security.
  • End-to-end encryption: Your messages are encrypted from your device to the recipient's device, ensuring only you and the recipient can read them.
  • Local data storage: Your data is stored only on your device, not on any external servers.
  • Self-hostable: You have the option to host the app on your own server if you prefer.

A decentralized infrastructure has many unique challenges and this is a unique approach. Ive taken previous feedback and made updates. Its important to note, the app is an unstable proof-of-concept and a work-in-progress. Its important to understand at this early stage in the project, there will be breaking changes. It is not ready to replace any existing apps or services. While the app is aiming to be an encrypted and secure chat system, the project is not mature enough to have been reviewed by security professionals and should not be considered encrypted or secure. it is provided for testing/review/feedback purposes.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

The live app

About the app

Even more about the app

Docs

Subreddit

6
POC: Decentralized Chat (programming.dev)
submitted 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
 

chat.positive-intentions.com

github.com/positive-intentions/chat

I'm excited to share with you an instant messaging application I've been working on that might interest you. This is a chat app designed to work within your browser, with a focus on browser-based security and decentralization.

What makes this app unique is that it doesn't rely on messaging servers to function. Instead, it works based on your browser's javascript capabilities.

Here are some features of the app:

  • Encrypted messaging: Your messages are encrypted, making them more secure.
  • File sharing: Easily share files using WebRTC technology and QR codes.
  • Voice and video calls: Connect with others through voice and video calls.
  • Shared virtual space: Explore a shared mixed-reality space.
  • Image board: Browse and share images in a scrollable format.

Your security is a top priority. Here's how the app keeps you safe:

  • Decentralized authentication: No central server is required for login, making it harder for anyone to gain unauthorized access.
  • Unique IDs: Your ID is cryptographically random, adding an extra layer of security.
  • End-to-end encryption: Your messages are encrypted from your device to the recipient's device, ensuring only you and the recipient can read them.
  • Local data storage: Your data is stored only on your device, not on any external servers.
  • Self-hostable: You have the option to host the app on your own server if you prefer.

A decentralized infrastructure has many unique challenges and this is a unique approach. Ive taken previous feedback and made updates. Its important to note, the app is an unstable proof-of-concept and a work-in-progress. Its important to understand at this early stage in the project, there will be breaking changes. It is not ready to replace any existing apps or services. While the app is aiming to be an encrypted and secure chat system, the project is not mature enough to have been reviewed by security professionals and should not be considered encrypted or secure. it is provided for testing/review/feedback purposes.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

The live app

About the app

Even more about the app

Docs

Subreddit

11
submitted 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
 

chat.positive-intentions.com

github.com/positive-intentions/chat

I'm excited to share with you an instant messaging application I've been working on that might interest you. This is a chat app designed to work within your browser, with a focus on browser-based security and decentralization.

What makes this app unique is that it doesn't rely on messaging servers to function. Instead, it works based on your browser's javascript capabilities.

Here are some features of the app:

  • Encrypted messaging: Your messages are encrypted, making them more secure.
  • File sharing: Easily share files using WebRTC technology and QR codes.
  • Voice and video calls: Connect with others through voice and video calls.
  • Shared virtual space: Explore a shared mixed-reality space.
  • Image board: Browse and share images in a scrollable format.

Your security is a top priority. Here's how the app keeps you safe:

  • Decentralized authentication: No central server is required for login, making it harder for anyone to gain unauthorized access.
  • Unique IDs: Your ID is cryptographically random, adding an extra layer of security.
  • End-to-end encryption: Your messages are encrypted from your device to the recipient's device, ensuring only you and the recipient can read them.
  • Local data storage: Your data is stored only on your device, not on any external servers.
  • Self-hostable: You have the option to host the app on your own server if you prefer.

A decentralized infrastructure has many unique challenges and this is a unique approach. Ive taken previous feedback and made updates. Its important to note, the app is an unstable proof-of-concept and a work-in-progress. Its important to understand at this early stage in the project, there will be breaking changes. It is not ready to replace any existing apps or services. While the app is aiming to be an encrypted and secure chat system, the project is not mature enough to have been reviewed by security professionals and should not be considered encrypted or secure. it is provided for testing/review/feedback purposes.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

The live app

About the app

Even more about the app

Docs

Subreddit

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago

https://www.reddit.com/r/Rad_Decentralization/comments/1de5ajk/a_decentralized_microfrontend_architecture/

there may be details you are interested in, but the post is quite large. you can search in that that post about how i plan to deal with syncing between devices. the functionality is not working in the app at the moment.

the data is persisted to browser storage, and unsent messages will be queued up when peers are not connected. similarly, the functionlity is not working at the moment.

peer discovery can be a whole separate discussion. the app provides ways to exchange connection data with links and QR codes. it is important that the user shares this with peers they trust, the ID is otherwise cryptographically random. upon first connection asymetric encryption keys are created and used for every future connection (to prevent impersonation).

Why are only parts opensource?

the part that isnt open source is the aws-cdk repo im using for deploying to S3. the app is otherwise open source and i give the instructions to deploy on your own github-pages if you want.

can you explain more about that licence?

6
Encrypted P2P Chat (chat.positive-intentions.com)
 

chat.positive-intentions.com

github.com/positive-intentions/chat

I'm excited to share with you an instant messaging application I've been working on that might interest you. This is a chat app designed to work within your browser, with a focus on browser-based security and decentralization.

What makes this app unique is that it doesn't rely on messaging servers to function. Instead, it works based on your browser's javascript capabilities.

Here are some features of the app:

  • Encrypted messaging: Your messages are encrypted, making them more secure.
  • File sharing: Easily share files using WebRTC technology and QR codes.
  • Voice and video calls: Connect with others through voice and video calls.
  • Shared virtual space: Explore a shared mixed-reality space.
  • Image board: Browse and share images in a scrollable format.

Your security is a top priority. Here's how the app keeps you safe:

  • Decentralized authentication: No central server is required for login, making it harder for anyone to gain unauthorized access.
  • Unique IDs: Your ID is cryptographically random, adding an extra layer of security.
  • End-to-end encryption: Your messages are encrypted from your device to the recipient's device, ensuring only you and the recipient can read them.
  • Local data storage: Your data is stored only on your device, not on any external servers.
  • Self-hostable: You have the option to host the app on your own server if you prefer.

A decentralized infrastructure has many unique challenges and this is a unique approach. Ive taken previous feedback and made updates. Its important to note, it is still a work-in-progress and provided for testing/review/feedback purposes.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

The live app

About the app

Docs

view more: next ›