Which standard governs the Keyed-Hash Message Authentication Code (HMAC)?

Which standard governs the Keyed-Hash Message Authentication Code (HMAC)?

• A. FIPS 198-1
• B. FIPS 140-2
• C. ISO 27001
• D. SP 800-53

Answer: (A)

The Keyed-Hash Message Authentication Code (HMAC) is governed by FIPS 198-1, which specifies how HMAC should be constructed and applied. FIPS 198-1 is a Federal Information Processing Standard published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that provides the formal definition of HMAC and its properties. HMAC is an important cryptographic function used to ensure data integrity and authenticity through the use of a secret key combined with a hashing algorithm. This standard establishes the necessary guidelines for generating HMACs, including the requirements for security and the cryptographic principles behind the keyed-hashing process. By utilizing HMAC in applications, organizations can help protect data from unauthorized access and modifications, making it essential for secure communications and integrity verification. The other options, while relevant in various aspects of IT security, do not specifically regulate HMAC. FIPS 140-2 focuses on the security requirements for cryptographic modules, ISO 27001 outlines information security management standards, and SP 800-53 provides guidelines for selecting and specifying security controls for federal information systems. However, none of these standards specifically address HMAC as FIPS 198-1 does.

The Keyed-Hash Message Authentication Code (HMAC) is governed by FIPS 198-1, which specifies how HMAC should be constructed and applied. FIPS 198-1 is a Federal Information Processing Standard published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that provides the formal definition of HMAC and its properties. HMAC is an important cryptographic function used to ensure data integrity and authenticity through the use of a secret key combined with a hashing algorithm.

This standard establishes the necessary guidelines for generating HMACs, including the requirements for security and the cryptographic principles behind the keyed-hashing process. By utilizing HMAC in applications, organizations can help protect data from unauthorized access and modifications, making it essential for secure communications and integrity verification.

The other options, while relevant in various aspects of IT security, do not specifically regulate HMAC. FIPS 140-2 focuses on the security requirements for cryptographic modules, ISO 27001 outlines information security management standards, and SP 800-53 provides guidelines for selecting and specifying security controls for federal information systems. However, none of these standards specifically address HMAC as FIPS 198-1 does.