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Insights into the Analysis of the Distributed Security Architecture of HarmonyOS Next

This article aims to deeply explore the technical details of the Huawei HarmonyOS Next system (up to API 12 as of now), and is summarized based on actual development practices. It mainly serves as a vehicle for technical sharing and communication. Mistakes and omissions are inevitable. Colleagues are welcome to put forward valuable opinions and questions so that we can make progress together. This article is original content, and any form of reprint must indicate the source and the original author.

1. Introduction of the Distributed Security Concept

With the vigorous development of the Internet of Things technology, distributed systems have become increasingly popular, and the distributed security concept in HarmonyOS Next has emerged as if it were a precise key, opening the door to the security of multi-device collaboration. Its significance is profound as it breaks down the security barriers between devices, allowing different devices to connect and communicate with each other without worry, jointly providing users with a seamless and intelligent experience.
Compared with the security of other distributed systems, HarmonyOS Next has obvious advantages. Some traditional distributed systems have rather fragmented security planning and often focus only on partial security measures. For example, some systems only perform simple encryption during data transmission but neglect key aspects such as device identity authentication. In contrast, HarmonyOS Next constructs a comprehensive security system from a global perspective. Take device access as an example. HarmonyOS Next requires that devices must undergo strict identity verification when accessing a distributed network, just like VIPs entering an exclusive club, who need to show their exclusive membership cards and pass through multiple layers of security checks to ensure that each accessed device is a "lawful citizen". This way of controlling from the source effectively prevents malicious devices from infiltrating and lays a solid foundation for the security of the distributed system.

2. Distributed Data Security

(1) Data Encryption and Transmission Security

In the vast world of distributed systems, data is like birds flying freely, facing numerous unknown risks. HarmonyOS Next employs multiple advanced encryption technologies to weave an impregnable security net for data. For data encryption, it ingeniously combines the advantages of symmetric and asymmetric encryption, as if dressing data in double-layer protective armor. During data transmission, HarmonyOS Next carefully creates an exclusive secure channel, just like opening a safe migration route for the birds. This channel uses protocols such as SSL/TLS for encryption and authentication to ensure that data is transmitted between devices without any risk. For example, when your smart watch shares sports data with your mobile phone, the data will be smoothly transmitted along this secure channel. Even if it encounters the "network hawks" on the way, it can remain safe and sound.

(2) Sample Code for Distributed Data Sharing Security

The following is a sample code for distributed data sharing security based on ARKTS. Suppose there are device A and device B that need to share sensitive data:

import crypto from '@ohos.security.crypto';
// Generate a key pair
async function generateKeyPair(): Promise<crypto.KeyPair> {
    try {
        const keyPairOptions: crypto.KeyPairGeneratorOptions = {
            keySize: 2048,
            keyType: crypto.KeyType.RSA
        };
        const keyPairGenerator = crypto.createKeyPairGenerator(keyPairOptions);
        return await keyPairGenerator.generateKeyPair();
    } catch (err) {
        console.error('Error generating key pair:', err);
        return null;
    }
}
// Device A encrypts the data and sends it to device B
async function encryptData(data: Uint8Array, publicKey: crypto.PublicKey): Promise<Uint8Array> {
    try {
        const cipher = crypto.createCipher(crypto.CipherAlgorithm.RSA_ECB_PKCS1, publicKey);
        return cipher.doFinal(data);
    } catch (err) {
        console.error('Error encrypting data:', err);
        return null;
    }
}
// Device B decrypts the data
async function decryptData(encryptedData: Uint8Array, privateKey: crypto.PrivateKey): Promise<Uint8Array> {
    try {
        const decipher = crypto.createDecipher(crypto.CipherAlgorithm.RSA_ECB_PKCS1, privateKey);
        return decipher.doFinal(encryptedData);
    } catch (err) {
        console.error('Error decrypting data:', err);
        return null;
    }
}
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In a practical scenario, device A first calls the generateKeyPair function to generate a key pair. Then, it uses the public key to encrypt the data to be shared through the encryptData function and sends the encrypted data to device B. After receiving the data, device B uses the private key to call the decryptData function to decrypt the data and obtain the original data. In this way, even if the data is intercepted by criminals during transmission, since they don't have the private key, they can only look at the "data" helplessly.

3. Establishment of Trust between Distributed Devices

(1) Process of Establishing the Trust Mechanism

The establishment of trust between distributed devices is like building a solid bridge that connects the hearts of different devices. HarmonyOS Next constructs this trust bridge through device authentication and authorization mechanisms. When devices meet for the first time, they exchange identity information, just like strangers introducing themselves to each other when they first meet. Then, both sides will conduct identity verification according to the preset trust policies. Only devices that pass the verification can obtain authorization and then establish a secure connection. This process is like two knights meeting in the martial arts world. They first show their tokens of their respective sects (identity information) and then judge whether the other party is trustworthy according to the rules of the martial arts world (trust policies). Only trustworthy people can move forward hand in hand.

(2) Simulated Scenario Demonstrating Secure Communication between Devices

Imagine such a scenario: Your smart TV and smart speaker belong to the same distributed system. When you get home from work and open the smart door lock, the smart door lock will conduct secure communication with the smart TV and smart speaker, informing them that the owner has returned home. After receiving the information, the smart TV and smart speaker will automatically adjust their states according to the preset scene modes, such as the TV turning on to the channel you usually watch and the speaker playing soft music. During this process, the communication between the smart door lock, smart TV, and smart speaker is secure and reliable. Because when the devices accessed the distributed system, they had already completed the trust establishment process. When the smart door lock sends information to other devices, the information will be encrypted. Only the smart TV and smart speaker with the correct decryption keys can interpret the information and respond accordingly. It's like three friends using a secret language (encrypted information) that only they understand to communicate, ensuring that the information will not be stolen or tampered with by outsiders, thus creating a convenient and secure smart home environment for users.
The distributed security architecture of HarmonyOS Next is like a solid fortress. From the introduction of the distributed security concept, to the meticulous protection of data security, and then to the stable establishment of trust between devices, every link demonstrates its outstanding security and forward-looking nature. It not only provides us developers with powerful security tools but also creates a reassuring and intelligent distributed world for users. With the continuous development of technology, the distributed security architecture of HarmonyOS Next will continue to lead the trend and safeguard the future of the Internet of Everything.

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