Authenticated Encryption vs Message Authentication Codes

Developers should use Authenticated Encryption when handling sensitive data that requires both privacy and integrity, such as in secure communications (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.

Authenticated Encryption

Nice Pick

Developers should use Authenticated Encryption when handling sensitive data that requires both privacy and integrity, such as in secure communications (e

Pros

• g
• Related to: cryptography, symmetric-encryption

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 Authenticated Encryption 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 Authenticated Encryption offers.

The Bottom Line

Authenticated Encryption wins

Developers should use Authenticated Encryption when handling sensitive data that requires both privacy and integrity, such as in secure communications (e