HMAC vs Message Authentication Codes

Developers should learn HMAC when building secure applications that require message authentication, such as in API authentication (e meets developers should learn and use macs when building secure systems that require data integrity and authentication, such as in network protocols (e. Here's our take.

HMAC

Nice Pick

Developers should learn HMAC when building secure applications that require message authentication, such as in API authentication (e

Pros

• g
• Related to: cryptography, api-authentication

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Message Authentication Codes

Developers should learn and use MACs when building secure systems that require data integrity and authentication, such as in network protocols (e

Pros

• g
• Related to: cryptography, hash-functions

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use HMAC if: You want g and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Message Authentication Codes if: You prioritize g over what HMAC offers.

The Bottom Line

HMAC wins

Developers should learn HMAC when building secure applications that require message authentication, such as in API authentication (e