What Is a Message Authentication Code?
A message authentication code (MAC) is a small block of data attached to a message that is used by the recipient to verify the integrity of the message. One could think of it as akin to the wax seals that used to be placed on letters and formal correspondence to verify the identify of the sender and confirm that the message had not been opened. Such codes are used when certain types of encrypted or secured data are sent so the sender can check to confirm that the message has not been compromised. Message authentication codes can appear on messages such as electronic funds transfers and emails. When a message is generated, the message authentication code is created at the same time. The message is sent to the recipient, and when the recipient opens it, the contents of the message are run through an algorithm to create a new message authentication code. This new code is compared with the code sent along with the original message. If the codes are the same, the message is authenticated. I
Related Questions
- When I click Authentication Failure Code in Authentication Detail and Authentication Query reports, the "No Record available" message pops up. Why?
- Why do I get BRM2265 message with reason code 0406 when creating my TSM device in BRMS?
- How can I resolve the unable to send authentication message error message?
