A method and an apparatus for data processing are provided. Interface circuitry connects the apparatus in a distributed system. Processing circuitry generates first hash values for a first group of virtual nodes to be added into a hash ring. The first group of virtual nodes represents a first newly added device in the distributed system. Then, the processing circuitry distributes the data in the distributed system according to the hash ring that includes the first group of virtual nodes. When the distribution of the data in the distribution system fails to satisfy a uniformity requirement, the processing circuitry identifies a specific virtual node in the first group of virtual nodes that causes the distribution to fail the uniformity requirement. Then, a hash value for a makeup virtual node to replace the specific virtual node is generated to update the distribution of the data in the distributed system.