Functionality

Primary Terminologies

MAC...

Functionality

MAC...

Difference Between Mac and Message Digest

Aspect MAC (Message Authentication Code) Message Digest Security MAC provides both data integrity and authenticity as it requires a shared secret key, which gives it more resistance to both tampering and unauthorized members. The purpose of Message Digest is to only ensure data integrity, but not provide authentication as it produces a fingerprint that is unique to the input data. Key Requirement Requires a secret key shared between the sender and receiver, which adds an extra layer of security but also necessitates key management. Does not require a secret key for generating hash values, making it simpler to implement but less suitable for authentication purposes. Collisions Theoretically, MAC algorithms can undergo collisions, however, their occurrence is extremely rare because of the complexity of cryptographic algorithms and the use of secret keys. Collisions, though rare, are more probable in message digest algorithms because the output size is fixed and the input domain is infinite. Message Length Due to that the MAC output size depends on the specific algorithm used MAC is capable of authenticating messages of any length. Creates fixed-length hash values regardless of the input message length, thus it may turn out inapplicable in some situations. Performance MAC computation is comparatively slower because complex cryptographic operations are involved and these operations take both time and longer message size into consideration. The MD hashing algorithm is computationally fast because of the simplicity of the hashing codes involved. Thus, it is more appropriate for tasks that require higher performance. Use Case Example Used in protocols such as SSL/TLS, IPsec, and SSH for securing communication channels and for authenticating exchanged data. Typically, this process is used in cases ranging from storing passwords in a hashed form to checking file integrity and establishing digital signatures for verifying the authenticity of papers and messages....

Benefits

Benefits of MAC (Message Authentication Code)...

Conclusion

In conclusion, MAC and Message Digest enforce data integrity and ensure the authenticity of the provided data but differ in their principles of activity and the sphere of application. As more applications rely on cryptography to secure sensitive information, knowledge of the differences between these cryptographic methods can be protected by helping establish robust security measures....

Frequently Asked Questions on Difference Between Mac and Message Digest -FAQs

What is MAC (Message Authentication Code)?...