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. Internet of Things Security Challenges and HarmonyOS Next
(1) Security Issues Faced by Internet of Things Devices
With the booming development of the Internet of Things today, Internet of Things devices have emerged in large numbers, but they also face numerous security challenges. It's like a city without solid city walls, vulnerable to foreign invasions.
Firstly, the computing resources and storage capacity of Internet of Things devices are relatively limited, making it difficult for them to run complex security protection software. For example, some small smart sensors may not be able to install comprehensive firewalls and antivirus software like large servers, which opens a convenient door for attackers.
Secondly, the physical security of devices is rather poor. Many Internet of Things devices are deployed in unattended environments, such as environmental monitoring sensors in the wild, smart devices in factory workshops, etc. Attackers may easily obtain physical access to these devices, thus tampering with the devices, stealing data, or implanting malicious software. It's just like putting precious treasures in an unguarded treasure chest, which is easily coveted by thieves.
Moreover, network communication security is a major problem. Internet of Things devices usually communicate via wireless networks, and the signals of wireless networks are easily intercepted and interfered with. For example, the communication data between smart home devices may be stolen by hackers during transmission, resulting in the leakage of users' privacy, just like letters being peeked at during mailing.(2) Targeted Solutions of HarmonyOS Next for Internet of Things Security
HarmonyOS Next has provided targeted solutions to Internet of Things security issues. It adopts a lightweight security mechanism, tailor-made for resource-constrained Internet of Things devices. It's like creating a set of lightweight yet sturdy armor for small devices, which can provide effective security protection without occupying too many resources.
For the physical security of devices, HarmonyOS Next supports device identity authentication and encrypted storage. Even if a device is physically accessed, without the correct authentication information, attackers cannot access the sensitive data in the device. It's like adding a lock to the treasure chest that can only be opened with a specific key. Even if the treasure chest is stolen, the thief cannot obtain the treasures inside.
In terms of network communication security, HarmonyOS Next utilizes advanced encryption technologies, such as the Elliptic Curve Cryptography algorithm, to ensure that the communication data between devices is not stolen or tampered with during transmission. It's like adding an encrypted code that only the sender and the recipient can understand to the letter. Even if the letter is intercepted, others cannot interpret its content.2. Device Access Security
(1) Security Authentication Process for Internet of Things Devices Accessing HarmonyOS Next
Internet of Things devices accessing HarmonyOS Next is like guests entering an exclusive club, which requires strict identity verification.
- Device Registration Before accessing the system, the device first needs to be registered. It's like guests applying for membership cards in the club. The device needs to submit its identity information to the HarmonyOS Next system, such as the unique identifier of the device and the device type. The system will record and verify this information to ensure the legality of the device.
- Authentication Request After the device is successfully registered, when it attempts to access the system, it will send an authentication request to the system. This request contains the device's identity credentials, such as the key or certificate generated during the previous registration. It's like guests showing their membership cards to the security guards at the entrance of the club to prove their identities.
- System Verification After receiving the authentication request, the HarmonyOS Next system will verify the device's identity credentials. It will check the validity of the credentials and whether they match the registered information. If the verification is passed, the system will assign corresponding permissions to the device, allowing the device to access the network and communicate with other devices. It's like the security guards confirming that the membership card is valid and then allowing the guests to enter the club and granting corresponding service permissions according to the guests' membership levels. ### (2) Sample Code Implementing Device Access Security Verification The following is a simple sample code showing the security verification process when Internet of Things devices access HarmonyOS Next (assuming the use of simulated devices and system interfaces):
import deviceSecurity from '@ohos.deviceSecurity';
// Device registration function
async function registerDevice(deviceId: string, deviceType: string): Promise<void> {
try {
const registrationResult: boolean = await deviceSecurity.registerDevice(deviceId, deviceType);
if (registrationResult) {
console.log('Device registration successful.');
} else {
console.log('Device registration failed. Please check device information.');
}
} catch (err) {
console.error('Device registration error:', err);
}
}
// Device authentication function
async function authenticateDevice(deviceId: string, credential: string): Promise<void> {
try {
const authenticationResult: boolean = await deviceSecurity.authenticateDevice(deviceId, credential);
if (authenticationResult) {
console.log('Device authentication successful. Can access the system.');
} else {
console.log('Device authentication failed. Access to the system is prohibited.');
}
} catch (err) {
console.error('Device authentication error:', err);
}
}
let deviceId: string = "device123";
let deviceType: string = "sensor";
let credential: string = "generatedCredential";
registerDevice(deviceId, deviceType).then(() => {
authenticateDevice(deviceId, credential);
});
In this example, the registerDevice function is used for device registration, and the authenticateDevice function is used for device authentication when accessing. In this way, it is ensured that only registered and authenticated devices can safely access the HarmonyOS Next system.
3. Internet of Things Data Security Protection
(1) Storage and Transmission Security of Internet of Things Data in HarmonyOS Next
- Data Storage Security In HarmonyOS Next, the storage security of Internet of Things data is fully guaranteed. Data will be encrypted and then stored in the local storage of devices or cloud storage. It's like putting valuable items in a bank safe. Not only is the safe itself sturdy (the security mechanism of device storage), but the items inside are also wrapped in an encrypted box (data encryption). For example, for the user habit data collected by smart home devices, such as temperature preferences and light brightness preferences, this data will be encrypted when stored to prevent unauthorized access. Even if the storage medium of the device is stolen, attackers cannot directly read the data content.
- Data Transmission Security In terms of data transmission, HarmonyOS Next adopts secure and reliable communication protocols, such as MQTT over TLS. It's like opening an exclusive secure tunnel for data transmission. When data is transmitted through this tunnel, encryption and integrity verification will be carried out. For example, when the devices in a smart factory transmit production data to the monitoring center, the data is transmitted in the tunnel. Even if hackers intercept the data during the process, due to the existence of encryption and integrity verification, hackers cannot tamper with the data content or obtain the real data. And after the monitoring center receives the data, it can verify that the data has not been tampered with, thus ensuring the authenticity and reliability of the data. ### (2) Practical Case Demonstrating the Effect of Data Security Protection Taking the intelligent medical Internet of Things as an example, various medical devices in hospitals, such as heart rate monitors and sphygmomanometers, are connected to the hospital's information system through HarmonyOS Next. In terms of data storage, patients' medical data (such as historical data of heart rate and blood pressure) are encrypted and stored both on the local devices and the hospital server. Doctors need to pass identity authentication when viewing patients' data. Only legitimate doctors can decrypt and view the data. This effectively prevents the leakage of patients' privacy data, just like only authorized medical staff can enter the hospital's medical record room to view medical records. During the data transmission process, when medical devices transmit real-time monitoring data to the monitoring terminals in the nurses' station or doctors' offices, the data is encrypted during transmission. Suppose there are hackers trying to steal the data during the transmission process. Since the data is encrypted, hackers cannot obtain the real illness information of patients. Meanwhile, because of the integrity verification, even if hackers try to tamper with the data, such as modifying patients' heart rate data, the receiving end can detect that the data has been tampered with, thus ensuring that doctors can make correct diagnosis and treatment decisions based on accurate data and safeguarding the lives of patients. The integration of HarmonyOS Next and Internet of Things security provides a solid guarantee for the secure operation of Internet of Things devices. From dealing with Internet of Things security challenges, to the strict device access security mechanism, and then to the comprehensive data security protection, HarmonyOS Next is like a loyal guard, safeguarding the security and stability of the Internet of Things world. With the continuous development of Internet of Things technology, the importance of HarmonyOS Next in the field of Internet of Things security will become increasingly prominent, laying the foundation for building a more intelligent and secure Internet of Things ecosystem.
Top comments (0)