HMAC-SHA256

HMAC-SHA256 is a method used to verify the integrity and authenticity of data. It combines a secret key with the message and processes them through the SHA-256 hashing algorithm to produce a unique code, called a hash. This hash acts like a digital fingerprint, ensuring the message hasn’t been altered and comes from a trusted sender. If anyone tries to change the message or doesn’t have the secret key, the hash won’t match, signaling potential tampering. HMAC-SHA256 is widely used in secure communications and data protection.