Remember MAC (cryptography)
Full name: Message Authentication Code
Memory aid: Message Authenticity Checked using a secret.
This MAC is neither a network address nor an access-control model.
Study area: Cryptography & trust · Batch 3
Relevant study for: CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 · ISC2 CISSP 2024 outline · ISC2 SSCP · CompTIA SecurityX · Cybersecurity Architect SC-100 · ISC2 CCSP · Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals SC-900
Practice with exam flashcards →Cybersecurity & Identity / Knowledge library
MAC (cryptography) — Message Authentication Code
Provides a keyed integrity and authenticity tag.
Why learn MAC (cryptography) — Message Authentication Code?
Provides a keyed integrity and authenticity tag.
Where it came from
This MAC is neither a network address nor an access-control model.
- Memory aid (a learning cue, not the expansion): Message Authenticity Checked using a secret.
Build your understanding
Work through these exercises in order. Try the task before opening a reference.
- Without looking, expand MAC (cryptography): Message Authentication Code.
- Recall this memory aid: Message Authenticity Checked using a secret.
- Explain the practical use: Provides a keyed integrity and authenticity tag.
- Explain this distinction: This MAC is neither a network address nor an access-control model.
- Identify MAC (cryptography) in a device specification, architecture diagram, or system inventory.
Documentation and sources
- NIST cybersecurity glossary (csrc.nist.gov)