Keyed Hashing

Keyed hashing is a method of securing data by combining a secret key with the message and then applying a hash function to produce a unique checksum. This checksum verifies both the integrity and authenticity of the data, ensuring it hasn't been altered and comes from a trusted source. Unlike plain hashing, which only checks for data integrity, keyed hashing adds the secret key, making it much harder for attackers to forge valid checksums without knowing the key. It's widely used in digital signatures, secure communications, and verifying data authenticity in various applications.