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Write a 1000 word, APA style paper on "Cryptographic Hash Functions and Message Authentication Codes."  Include a discussion on the following in your paper:

• When looking at message authentication three alternative functions are used message encryption, message authentication code (MAC) and hash function.  Discuss some of the classical applications of hash functions.  What characteristics are needd in a secure hash function?  What is the role of a compression function in a hash function?
• Explain the difference between message authentication code and a one-way hash function.  Indicate what ways a hash value can be secured so as to provide message authentication.
• How is a digital signature similar to a MAC? Does a hash then sign make RSA signature secure against all chosen message attacks?

Include a title sheet and 2-3 references in your paper.  Only one reference may be from the internet (not Wikipedia).  The other reference must come from the online Library at Grantham University.  Only the body of the paper will count towards the word requirement.  Please see the rubric below.