MACs are sometimes called keyed hash functions, and they can be used to provide message integrity and authentication.
More specifically, they are used to provide data origin authentication.
Verifying Data Integrity in Blockchain (Part 2)
These are symmetric cryptographic primitives that use a shared key between the sender and the receiver.
MACs can be constructed using block ciphers or hash functions.
Why This Matters for Blockchain Technology
Understanding Message Authentication Codes is not just an academic exercise — it has real-world implications for how blockchain systems are designed, deployed, and secured. Whether you are a developer building decentralized applications, a business leader evaluating blockchain adoption, or a curious learner exploring the technology, this knowledge provides a critical foundation.
Key Points to Remember
- Message Authentication Codes MACs are sometimes called keyed hash functions, and they can be used to provide message integrity and authentication.
- More specifically, they are used to provide data origin authentication.
- These are symmetric cryptographic primitives that use a shared key between the sender and the receiver.
- MACs can be constructed using block ciphers or hash functions.
Conclusion
Message Authentication Codes represents one of the many innovative layers that make blockchain technology so powerful and transformative. As distributed systems continue to evolve, a solid understanding of these core concepts becomes increasingly valuable — not just for developers, but for anyone building, investing in, or working alongside blockchain-powered systems.
Whether you are just starting your blockchain journey or deepening existing expertise, mastering these fundamentals gives you the tools to think clearly about decentralized systems and make smarter decisions in this rapidly evolving space.