In message authentication mode, a Message Authentication Code (MAC) results from an encryption function.
The MAC is a cryptographic checksum that provides an integrity service.
Verifying Data Integrity in Blockchain
The most common method to generate a MAC using block ciphers is CBC-MAC, where a part of the last block of the chain is used as a MAC.
For example, a MAC can be used to ensure that if a message is modified by an unauthorized entity.
This can be achieved by encrypting the message with a key using the MAC function.
The resultant message and MAC of the message once received by the receiver can be checked by encrypting the message received again by the key and comparing it with the MAC received from the sender.
If they both match, then the message has not modified by unauthorized user thus integrity service is provided.
If they both don’t match, then it means that message is modified by unauthorized entity during the transmission.
Why This Matters for Blockchain Technology
Understanding Message authentication mode 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 mode In message authentication mode, a Message Authentication Code (MAC) results from an encryption function.
- The MAC is a cryptographic checksum that provides an integrity service.
- The most common method to generate a MAC using block ciphers is CBC-MAC, where a part of the last block of the chain is used as a MAC.
- For example, a MAC can be used to ensure that if a message is modified by an unauthorized entity.
Conclusion
Message authentication mode 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.