TELA Security Model
Zero-Trust Architecture: TELA applications run on-chain with cryptographic verification. No servers to compromise, no code injection, no hidden changes.
How TELA Security Works
Result: Applications are verifiable, immutable, and censorship-resistant.
TELA vs Traditional Web Security
| Security Layer | Traditional Web | TELA |
|---|---|---|
| Code Storage | 👁️ Server (can change anytime) | 🔒 Blockchain (immutable) |
| Code Integrity | ⚠️ Trust the server | ✅ Cryptographically verified |
| Execution | 🌐 Remote server | 💻 Local (your computer) |
| Backend | 🔓 Centralized database | 🔐 Smart contracts |
| Updates | ❌ Silent, undetectable | ✅ Transparent on-chain |
| Censorship | ❌ Can be taken down | ✅ Unstoppable |
| Privacy | 👁️ Server logs everything | 🔒 Local execution |
5 Security Layers
🔐 Layer 1: Blockchain Immutability
Once deployed → Forever locked
What this means:
- ✅ Code cannot be modified after deployment
- ✅ No server-side code injection
- ✅ Historical record of all versions
- ✅ Prevents malicious updates
🔑 Layer 2: Cryptographic Verification
Every file has a mathematical proof
| What Gets Verified | How |
|---|---|
| File Integrity | SHA-256 hash on blockchain |
| Author Identity | DERO wallet address (cryptographic signature) |
| Contract Linkage | Cryptographic references between DOC-1 and INDEX-1 |
| Code Authenticity | Blockchain consensus (51% attack required to forge) |
Verification process:
1. User requests app
2. Engram fetches code from blockchain
3. Calculates hash of downloaded code
4. Compares to hash in INDEX-1 contract
5. ✅ Match = authentic | ❌ Mismatch = reject💻 Layer 3: Local Execution
Code runs on YOUR computer, not a server
Attack Vectors Eliminated:
- ❌ Server-side attacks (no server!)
- ❌ Database breaches (no database!)
- ❌ Man-in-the-middle (cryptographically verified)
- ❌ Session hijacking (no sessions!)
- ❌ Server logging (runs locally)
Modern Browser Protection:
- ✅ Sandboxed execution
- ✅ Content Security Policy (CSP)
- ✅ Same-origin policy
- ✅ Memory isolation
📦 Layer 4: Dual-Contract Architecture
Separation of code and metadata
Why this is secure:
- ✅ Code (DOC-1) is immutable = can't inject malware
- ✅ Metadata (INDEX-1) is updateable = app can improve
- ✅ User can verify which DOC-1 version they're running
- ✅ Transparency: All changes visible on-chain
🌐 Layer 5: Decentralized Trust
| Trust Mechanism | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Author Accountability | Wallet address = permanent identity on-chain |
| Community Ratings | Users rate apps (stored on-chain) |
| Transparency | All code visible = community audit |
| No Gatekeepers | Anyone can deploy, users decide trust |
| Reputation | Author's history = visible on blockchain |
Security Best Practices
👨💻 For Developers
| Practice | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Validate ALL inputs | Prevent XSS and injection attacks |
| Verify 3rd-party libraries | External code = potential vulnerability |
| Minimize dependencies | Smaller attack surface |
| Test thoroughly | Use TELA-CLI for security testing |
| Document permissions | Be transparent about what your app needs |
| Version your DOC-1s | Users can choose which version to trust |
Remember: Your code is IMMUTABLE and PUBLIC. Test carefully before deploying!
👤 For Users
| Practice | How To |
|---|---|
| Check author address | Look up author's other apps on blockchain |
| Read community ratings | See what others say about the app |
| Review permissions | Understand what access you're granting |
| Keep Engram updated | Latest security patches |
| Start with low-risk apps | Test with documents/games before financial apps |
Red Flags:
- 🚨 App requests unnecessary permissions
- 🚨 Unknown author with no history
- 🚨 Poor community ratings
- 🚨 Requests private keys (NEVER legitimate!)
The Bottom Line
TELA's Multi-Layer Defense:
TELA Security = Multiple independent layers
If one layer is bypassed, others remain protective. This defense-in-depth approach makes TELA significantly more secure than traditional web applications.
Comparison: TELA vs Web2
Traditional Web:
Trust the company → Trust the server → Hope they're secureTELA:
Verify on blockchain → Run locally → You control securityDifference: TELA removes trust requirements through cryptographic proof and decentralization.