message integrity code

Synonyms for some form of "checksum".

Deprecated Term: IDOCs SHOULD NOT use these terms for any form of checksum. Instead, use "checksum", "error detection code", "hash", "keyed hash", "Message Authentication Code", or "protected checksum", depending on what is meant.

These two terms mix concepts in potentially misleading ways. The word "message" is misleading because it suggests that the mechanism is particularly suitable for or limited to electronic mail. The word "integrity" is misleading because the checksum may be used to perform a data origin authentication function rather than an integrity function. The word "code" is misleading because it suggests either that encoding or encryption is involved or that the term refers to computer software.