Message Authentication Codes vs Authenticated Encryption

Developers should learn and use MACs when building secure systems that require data integrity and authentication, such as in network protocols (e meets developers should use authenticated encryption when handling sensitive data that requires both privacy and integrity, such as in secure communications (e. Here's our take.

Message Authentication Codes

Nice Pick

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

Authenticated Encryption

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

The Verdict

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

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

The Bottom Line

Message Authentication Codes wins

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