1. (MAC) A cryptographic checksum on data that uses a symmetric key to detect both accidental and intentional modifications of the data. MACs provide authenticity and integrity protection, but not nonrepudiation protection. (SP 800-63; FIPS 201) (NISTIR) 2. (MAC) A cryptographic checksum that results from passing data through a message authentication algorithm. SOURCE: FIPS 198 1. See Checksum. 2. A specific ANSI standard for a checksum. (CNSSI-4009) (NISTIR)
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1. (MAC) A cryptographic checksum on data that uses a symmetric key to detect both accidental and intentional modifications of the data. MACs provide authenticity and integrity protection, but not nonrepudiation protection. (SP 800-63; FIPS 201) (NISTIR) 2. (MAC) A cryptographic checksum that results from passing data through a message authentication algorithm. SOURCE: FIPS 198 1. See Checksum. 2. A specific ANSI standard for a checksum. (CNSSI-4009) (NISTIR)
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Message Authentication Code. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 13, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/message-authentication-code
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