Flutter Secure Storage

A simple and efficient Flutter utility for managing secure data storage using the flutter_secure_storage package. This utility class allows you to securely save, read, check, delete, and clear sensitive data like tokens and user credentials.

Features

• Save data securely to the device's storage
• Read data from secure storage
• Delete specific data securely
• Check if a key exists in secure storage
• Clear all stored data

Installation

To use the SecureStorageManager, you need to add flutter_secure_storage to your pubspec.yaml:

dependencies:
  flutter:
    sdk: flutter
  flutter_secure_storage: ^9.2.2 

Run flutter pub get to install the package.

Code Overview

Here's an overview of how to use the SecureStorageManager:

Import the Class

import 'package:your_project_path/secure_storage_manager.dart';

Usage Examples

1. Writing Data

await SecureStorageManager.writeData('token', 'your_secure_token_here');

2. Reading Data

String? token = await SecureStorageManager.readData('token');
if (token != null) {
  print('Token: $token');
} else {
  print('No token found');
}

3. Deleting Data

await SecureStorageManager.deleteData('token');

4. Checking Key Existence

bool exists = await SecureStorageManager.containsKey('token');
if (exists) {
  print('Token exists in storage');
} else {
  print('Token does not exist');
}

5. Clearing All Data

await SecureStorageManager.clearAllData();

Why Use flutter_secure_storage Instead of SharedPreferences

1. Security and Encryption

• flutter_secure_storage: Encrypts data stored on the device, ensuring that it is unreadable by unauthorized users or applications. It uses platform-specific secure solutions like Keychain (iOS) and Keystore (Android) to protect data.
• SharedPreferences: Stores data in plain text and does not provide built-in encryption. This makes it vulnerable to data exposure, especially if the device is compromised.

2. Sensitive Data Storage

• flutter_secure_storage: Specifically designed for handling sensitive data such as tokens, passwords, and personal information. It minimizes security risks through encryption and secure data management.
• SharedPreferences: Suitable for non-sensitive data like user settings or preferences. It should not be used for storing tokens or private information due to the lack of encryption.

3. Compliance and Best Practices

• flutter_secure_storage: Helps meet compliance and industry standards for handling sensitive data by providing robust security features.
• SharedPreferences: Does not comply with security best practices for storing sensitive data since it lacks encryption and proper access controls.

Summary

For storing tokens and other secure data, using flutter_secure_storage is essential to protect against potential data breaches and ensure data integrity. SharedPreferences is a convenient solution for non-sensitive data but should be avoided for any information that requires security and encryption.

Security Considerations

• Always handle tokens and other sensitive data with care to avoid potential data leaks or exposure.
• Ensure your app's permissions and security policies align with data protection requirements.

Contact

For any questions or feedback, please reach out via email: mahmoudelsayed.dev@gmail.com