What does MAC stand for in the context of message authentication?

In the context of message authentication, MAC stands for Message Authentication Code. This term refers to a short piece of information used to verify the authenticity and integrity of a message. It is generated by applying a cryptographic function to the message and a secret key, ensuring that the message has not been altered in transit and confirming its origin.

When a MAC is used, the receiver can validate the code against the received message. If they produce the same MAC using the same key, it confirms both the integrity of the message and the authenticity of the sender. This is crucial in cybersecurity as it helps prevent unauthorized access and ensures that the data has not been tampered with.

The other terms do not correctly capture the concept of message authentication within this context, which further emphasizes the importance of understanding what MAC specifically refers to.