The Most Secure, Protected, and Privacy-Focused Server-Based Messaging Tool with Self-Defending Servers

This project was developed for a client who needed secure communication between their business partners and clients. The goal was to build an advanced instant messaging tool that worked on all major operating systems and devices, including desktop, mobile, and tablets, while ensuring top-level security.

One of the main requirements was to guarantee that all communication, including messages and files, was securely encrypted during transmission. Additionally, the system was designed to safely store the communication history, making it accessible only to authorized users.

We also focused on protecting the application against potential threats, such as unauthorized access or data breaches. The final result was a reliable messaging tool that met the client's high standards for privacy and security, while also being easy to use across various devices.

Key Challenges

The solution was built using a well-known and trusted messaging protocol, providing flexibility and ease of use. It also needed to connect with open-source client applications, making it possible to customize or update the system whenever necessary.

A key requirement was securely storing conversation history. The system was designed to keep all messages encrypted on a dedicated backup server. To make it easy for authorized users to find and review old conversations, we developed a secure search tool. Access to this tool was protected by a unique client certificate and password, ensuring only approved individuals could view the encrypted conversations.

To keep the communication system safe, several measures were put in place. We added advanced monitoring to track any unauthorized login attempts, keep an eye on service availability, and ensure the system was running smoothly. The platform was also designed to support different user groups, each with its own set of permissions to control access.

Another important feature was the use of a tunneling server, which hid the IP address of the main Jabber server, adding an extra layer of security. Additionally, all communication between clients and servers, as well as between servers, was fully encrypted and restricted to HTTPS connections, ensuring that all data remained private.

Infrastructure Setup

One of their main concerns was keeping the Jabber server’s IP address and hostname private, so no external users could see them. To achieve this, we set up a tunneling server. This server acts as a middleman, handling all traffic between the client and the Jabber server, hiding the server’s real identity while allowing communication to run effectively and securely.

Another important part of the project was ensuring the safety of conversation history. We built a system that encrypts the data as it’s created and stores it on a separate backup server. Only those with the client’s special certificate and password can unlock and view this information. To make accessing the encrypted conversations easier, we developed a custom web tool. This tool is hosted on its server and allows the client to search and review the conversations without compromising security.

The system is based on four main servers: the Tunnel, Web, Backup, and Jabber servers. Each one is protected with strict firewall rules. This setup keeps communication secure as well as protects the entire infrastructure from any potential threats.

Advanced Monitoring with Zabbix

We integrated Zabbix, an effective open-source monitoring tool that helped us keep an eye on both information and security activities throughout the infrastructure. Zabbix is designed to monitor a wide range of system parameters continuously, which allows updates on the health and performance of the client’s network. One key area we focus on is information-related concerns. Zabbix keeps track of essential components like network connectivity and the responsiveness of critical services, including Jabber for instant messaging and backup systems. By monitoring these elements in real-time, we can quickly identify any issues, such as network outages or service disruptions. This proactive approach allows us to address problems before they become major issues, ensuring the users have a seamless experience and that important operations continue without interruption.

On the security side, Zabbix acts as a watchful protector, checking the system for potential threats. It monitors for signs of security breaches like unusually high resource usage, which could indicate a denial-of-service attack, and unexpected network behavior that may suggest unauthorized access attempts. Zabbix is set up with custom thresholds that trigger alerts when certain limits are exceeded. This means that if something unusual happens, like a sudden increase in traffic or an unauthorized login attempt, the client’s team gets immediate notifications. This quick response capability provides an opportunity to act fast to reduce any risks.

Moreover, by looking at the data it collects, you can spot patterns and trends that help guide your decisions. This includes optimizing how you use resources, enhancing the overall security measures, and refining the system design to better meet users’ needs.

Independent User Groups

Another crucial part of this platform is its support for independent user groups, each with its separate contact lists and permissions. This setup greatly improves user privacy and communication efficiency, ensuring that users can only connect with others in their group while keeping their conversations private from other groups.

To achieve this, we built a custom Jabber bot using Python and made significant updates to the server. This allows different user groups to operate independently, meaning users in one group cannot see or interact with users in another. This separation of communications was essential for protecting sensitive information and ensuring that users feel secure when using the platform.

The platform also provides Jabber administrators with helpful oversight tools. Administrators can manage permissions, monitor communications, and enforce security policies across all user groups. This way, while users have the freedom to communicate within their groups, administrators can still maintain control to ensure security and privacy.

This project is a powerful instant messaging solution, a bright example of our work not only meeting but exceeding our client's expectations. With custom-developed features like independent group management, strong security algorithms, and a user-friendly front end, we have created a platform that keeps communications private, safe, and fully manageable.