Online Version
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The online version of Zelf enables users to interact with their digital identities securely and seamlessly, even within a web extension. By handling computation on a dedicated server (which you can host as well). The online version ensures efficient, resource-light interactions, suitable for devices with limited computing power, such as browser extensions (eliminating the need of the Zelf pro version which works offline).
The online version works perfectly for the web extension and the online version of Zelf for Android and iOS. the Pro version of Zelf works Offline, which means that it doesn't require the use of centralized servers to do the heavy lifting of the encryption/decryption functions.
We have to clarify that the main part of Zelf requires a very heavy computation for encrypting and decrypting the ZelfProof, without mentioning that we perfom liveness tests and that part also requires a good CPU performance to do it almost instantly.
Reduced Load on Client Devices: Offloading complex computations to the server ensures that the web extension remains lightweight, minimizing the use of local resources and making sure that the code is not manipulated with web changes.
Consistent Performance: Server-based computations provide a smooth experience across different devices and platforms, enabling consistent and reliable interactions with Zelf. The web extension remains fast and secure.
All interactions in the online version adhere to strict security and privacy standards:
End-to-End Encryption: Communication between the client (web extension) and the server is encrypted, ensuring that sensitive data, such as your face, the password, the mnemonic phrase, is securely transmitted using PGP Encryption with unique keys for each user.
No Data Retention: The server processes computations without retaining sensitive user data. Each session is isolated, ensuring privacy with each use. (Don't believe us, check our code, is open source)
Real-Time Authentication: For liveness checks and identity verification, real-time computation on the server ensures accuracy and security without relying on client-side processing.
Scalability: Centralized computation allows for easy scaling, supporting a large number of users across different platforms.
Device Compatibility: Works seamlessly on lower-powered devices, such as Chromebooks and mobile browsers, without compromising on performance or security.
Rapid Updates: Updates to the algorithm or security protocols can be deployed on the server without requiring client updates, ensuring users always have the latest features and security measures.
The online version is optimized for web extension scenarios and mobile apps with low CPU or capacity to perform the main functions:
Users need to authenticate quickly using their zelfProof without substantial local computation.
Real-time verification and encryption are required but need to remain lightweight on the client side.
Browser sandboxing and permission restrictions limit complex processing on the client side, making server-based computation an ideal solution.
zelf Name Service Arweave is a decentralized storage solution designed to offer permanent, tamper-resistant data storage, making it an ideal solution for preserving important information like the zelfProof associated with the ZelfName. By leveraging Arweave's blockchain, Zelf ensures that users can securely store and retrieve their zelfProof and related public data without relying on a centralized database, providing long-term security and availability.
Why Arweave?
Arweave offers several key advantages:
Permanent Storage: Data stored on Arweave is permanent, eliminating the risk of loss or deletion.
Decentralization: Unlike traditional storage, Arweave's decentralized architecture means data is distributed and secured across multiple nodes, preventing single points of failure.
Tamper Resistance: Arweave's design ensures data integrity, meaning that once a zelfName is stored, the ZelfProof cannot be modified or tampered with.
How Arweave Enhances ZelfProof Security
Every user's zelfName, generated during the creation of a ZelfProof, is stored on Arweave. This integration allows users to retrieve their zelfName at any time directly from the blockchain, ensuring they have uninterrupted access to their assets. Even if users lose access to their device or backup, they can retrieve their zelfName and zelfProof from Arweave by searching the zelfName they leased.
Retrieval and Backup
The Arweave storage mechanism ensures that users:
Never Lose Access: Since the zelfName is stored on a blockchain, users can retrieve it anytime, even if other local or cloud-based storage methods fail.
Easily Recover Assets: By fetching their zelfName from Arweave, users can restore their ZelfProof and access their assets with confidence, knowing that this data is secure, immutable, and permanently stored.
Example Usage
When a user leases a zelfName, a transaction is sent to Arweave, creating a record of that zelfName on their blockchain. This record is publicly accessible and verifiable, allowing the user to check the status of their zelfName and retrieve it if needed.
