Hash-Based Message Authentication Code (SHA-256 HMAC)
Authentication Application and Python Source Code
The Hash-Based or Keyed-Hash Message Authentication Code (HMAC) using the SHA-256 hash function provides a mechanism for symmetrically verifying the integrity and authenticity of data.
DOWNLOADS
SHA-256 HMAC.exe - Desktop Application
SHA-256 HMAC.py - Python Source Code
Password: password
INSTRUCTIONS
Select “Next”
Select “File” or “Folder” and choose.
Enter password
Select “Next”
SHA-256 HMAC of “File” or “Folder”
Select “Save As” or “Exit”
SHA-256 HMAC file has been saved.
Select “Exit”
Saved SHA-256 HMAC File
BACKGROUND
HMAC is a construction that combines a cryptographic hash function with a secret key to generate a MAC (Message Authentication Code) for a message. The HMAC algorithm takes a message and a secret key as inputs and produces a fixed-size hash value, which is used to verify the integrity and authenticity of the data.
SHA-256 HMAC is considered secure when implemented correctly and used with a strong key. SHA-256 HMAC is used in various security protocols and applications to verify the integrity and authenticity of data, securing communication over the internet, securing network communications, and securing API requests.
Overall, SHA-256 HMAC provides a robust and efficient method for ensuring data integrity and authenticity in secure communication systems.
HOW IT WORKS
Key Padding: If the secret key is longer than the block size of the hash function (64 bytes for SHA-256), it is hashed to obtain a key that fits the block size. If it is shorter, it is padded with zeros.
Outer Padding: The key is XORed with a constant value (0x5c repeated for the block size) to create the outer padding.
Inner Padding: The key is XORed with another constant value (0x36 repeated for the block size) to create the inner padding.
Hashing: The inner padding is concatenated with the message and hashed using the hash function (SHA-256). The result is then concatenated with the outer padding and hashed again using the same hash function.
Finalization: The final hash value is the SHA-256 HMAC output.