HMAC

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Hash-based message authentication code(HMAC) is a mechanism used for {{Glossary("cryptography", "cryptographically")}}  authenticating messages.

It can use any kind of {{Glossary("Hash function", "cryptographic hash function")}} . Its strength depends on the underlying hash function and the chosen secret key. With such a combination, the HMAC verification {{Glossary("Algorithm", "algorithm")}}  is then known with a compound name such as HMAC-SHA2.

HMAC is used to ensure both integrity and authentication.

See also

• HMAC on Wikipedia
• RFC 2104 on IETF