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How to secure decentralized identifiers using public-private key cryptography

How to secure decentralized identifiers using public-private key cryptography

Taiwo Ola-Balogun's photo
Taiwo Ola-Balogun
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6 min read

Table of contents

Introduction

Change persists as the enduring constant in the ever-evolving landscape of technology. The rapid progression of technology over recent centuries, spanning from the UNIVAC era to the widespread adoption of smartphones, has been nothing short of extraordinary. This relentless march of technological advancement not only impacts hardware but also fundamentally shapes the software that governs our interactions with these devices.

A notable contributor to this perpetual cycle of innovation is the concept of a decentralized network, commonly known as Web 3.0. This signifies a fundamental paradigm shift in how we perceive and engage with the digital realm. However, the swift evolution of technology doesn't halt at Web 3.0; it propels us into the domain of Web 5.0. This forward-looking iteration diverges from conventional, centralized approaches to online identity management by highlighting the novel concept of decentralized identifiers. This paradigm grants individuals unprecedented control over their digital identities.

In this article, we embark on an exploration of decentralized identifiers (DIDs) and delve into the intricacies of securing them through the robust framework of public-private key cryptography.

Prerequisites

Before embarking on this journey into the realm of decentralized identifiers, a few prerequisites will ensure a smooth and engaging exploration. Familiarity with JavaScript and the installation of essential tools are fundamental for grasping the concepts and implementing the hands-on aspects of this guide.

1. Basic Knowledge of JavaScript:

  • A foundational understanding of JavaScript is necessary to follow the code examples and intricacies discussed in this article. If you're new to JavaScript, consider exploring introductory resources to get acquainted with the language's syntax and concepts.

2. Node.js Installed on Your Machine:

  • Node.js serves as the runtime environment for executing JavaScript code outside the browser. Ensure that Node.js is installed on your machine before diving into the code examples. You can download it from nodejs.org

3. Installation of the web5 Package:

  • The article makes use of the web5 package to interact with decentralized identifiers. To seamlessly follow along, install the web5 package by running the following command in your terminal or command prompt:

    npm install web5

  • This installation will enable you to leverage the functionalities provided by web5 in the context of DIDs.

With these prerequisites in place, you'll be well-equipped to explore the transformative world of decentralized identifiers, gaining insights into their applications and implementing secure practices with JavaScript. Let's embark on this enlightening journey together.

Understanding Decentralized Identifiers

Decentralized identifiers (DIDs) offer a unique way to establish your online identity without relying on a central authority, such as a government or a company. Picture it as your personal digital passport, but with a twist – you're in control. Unlike traditional identification methods, a DID is not issued by someone else; it's a digital representation that you manage.

Having a DID means you can authenticate yourself online without the hassle of divulging personal information to various websites or apps. Imagine it as your digital driver's license, exclusive to you and under your control. It's a secure and efficient way to navigate the online realm while maintaining ownership and privacy over your identity.

Here is an example of a Decentralized Identifier

Key Concepts

Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) introduce key concepts that redefine how we perceive and manage digital identities. Let's explore these concepts succinctly:

User-created and Managed Autonomously

DIDs operate on the principle of user-centric control, enabling individuals or organizations to create and manage their identifiers independently. This autonomy reduces dependency on third-party entities, fostering a more direct and secure relationship between the user and their digital identity.

Securely Proving Control

One fundamental aspect of DIDs is their capacity to empower owners to securely prove control. Unlike traditional systems, which may require verification through centralized authorities, DIDs allow individuals or organizations to independently authenticate and assert their ownership.

Absence of Personal Data or Wallet Information

DIDs are designed with privacy at the forefront. Unlike conventional identifiers that may store personal data or wallet information, DIDs remain devoid of such details. This absence ensures that the identifier itself doesn't become a repository of sensitive information, bolstering security and mitigating potential risks associated with data exposure.

Creating a Decentralized Identifier (DID)

Assuming a grasp of DID concepts, let's proceed to generate our own DIDs.

Begin by importing the web5 package to access its module functions:

const web5 = require('web5');

Utilize the connect function to establish the DID, and you can destructure the returned values as follows:

const getDid = async () => {
  const { web5, did: myDid } = await web5.connect();
  return myDid;
};

Introduction to Public and Private Keys

Private and public key cryptography, a subset of asymmetric cryptography, operates through a pair of keys with distinct functions. The private key, kept confidential, is used for decrypting data or messages that have been encrypted with the corresponding public key. On the other hand, the public key is openly shared and utilized for the encryption of messages or data.

In end-to-end messaging on platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp, private and public key cryptography is employed. In this encryption process, the public key is accessible to anyone for encrypting information before transmission. Upon reception, the intended recipient utilizes their private key to decrypt and access the transmitted information, ensuring secure and confidential communication.

How to encrypt DIDs with public private key encryption

In your Node.js environment, initiate the process by importing the crypto package, a powerful tool for cryptographic operations

const crypto = require('crypto');

Use the generateKeyPairSync method to create a new RSA key pair. This includes a public key (for encryption) and a private key (for decryption).

const { publicKey, privateKey } = crypto.generateKeyPairSync('rsa', {
  modulusLength: 2048,
  publicKeyEncoding: { type: 'spki', format: 'pem' },
  privateKeyEncoding: { type: 'pkcs8', format: 'pem' },
});

Create a function, encryptWithPublicKey, to encrypt your sensitive information using the public key. This function converts the data to a buffer, encrypts it, and returns the result in base64 format.

function encryptWithPublicKey(publicKey, data) {
  const bufferData = Buffer.from(data, 'utf-8');
  const encryptedData = crypto.publicEncrypt(publicKey, bufferData);
  return encryptedData.toString('base64');
}

Develop a corresponding function, decryptWithPrivateKey, to decrypt the information using the private key. This function takes the private key and the encrypted data, decrypts it, and returns the original information

function decryptWithPrivateKey(privateKey, encryptedData) {
  const bufferEncryptedData = Buffer.from(encryptedData, 'base64');
  const decryptedData = crypto.privateDecrypt(privateKey, bufferEncryptedData);
  return decryptedData.toString('utf-8');
}

Utilize the functions to encrypt and decrypt the generated DID.

const encryptDid = async () => {
    const myDid = await getDid();
    const encryptedData = encryptWithPublicKey(publicKey, myDid);
    return encryptedData ;
}

const decryptDid = async () => {
    const encryptedData = await encryptDid ();
    Const decryptedData = decryptWithPrivateKey(privateKey, encryptedData);
    return decryptedData ;
}

Conclusion

In conclusion, the prevalent use of centralized identifiers poses significant challenges in terms of data privacy, tracking, and control. Issues such as data being shared without consent and the lack of individual control underscore the need for a transformative solution. Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) emerge as a powerful remedy, offering distinct advantages to organizations, individuals, and developers alike.

Crucially, the incorporation of public and private key encryption adds an extra layer of security to DIDs. The robust cryptographic framework ensures that sensitive data remains confidential, mitigating the risks associated with unauthorized access. With DIDs, individuals not only reclaim ownership and control over their information but also do so within a fortified security paradigm.

For organizations, the ability to issue fraud-proof credentials and instantly verify them gains an additional layer of trust through secure encryption methods. Developers, unshackled from traditional password dependencies, can leverage the secure communication facilitated by public and private keys, creating a more resilient and trustworthy digital ecosystem.

In embracing DIDs with public-private key encryption, we not only address existing challenges but also fortify the foundations of digital identity management. This amalgamation of decentralized identifiers and cryptographic security stands as a beacon for a more secure, private, and user-centric online experience, heralding a new era in digital identity management.

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