After completing this experiment, you will be able to:

1. Understand Message Authentication Concepts

   • Comprehend the fundamental principles of message authentication codes (MACs)
   • Recognize the importance of data integrity and authenticity in cryptographic systems
   • Understand the difference between encryption and authentication
   • Learn how MACs provide protection against tampering and forgery

2. Master CBC-MAC Operations

   • Perform CBC-MAC computation using block cipher functions
   • Execute step-by-step CBC-MAC algorithm on multi-block messages
   • Calculate intermediate values throughout the CBC-MAC process
   • Handle message padding and key resizing operations

3. Analyze Cryptographic Security

   • Identify vulnerabilities in basic CBC-MAC implementations
   • Understand why secure CBC-MAC requires special constructions
   • Recognize the importance of proper key management in MAC systems
   • Learn about length extension attacks and their prevention

4. Implement Secure CBC-MAC

   • Apply secure CBC-MAC constructions for variable-length messages
   • Use proper key derivation techniques for enhanced security
   • Implement countermeasures against known CBC-MAC attacks
   • Choose appropriate security parameters for real-world applications

5. Apply Practical Knowledge

   • Implement CBC-MAC operations manually using the simulation
   • Solve real-world message authentication challenges
   • Evaluate the security of different MAC construction approaches
   • Test function behavior with various input patterns and key sizes