ISO/IEC 9797-1:2011/Amd 1:2023

Overview

ISO/IEC 9797-1:2011/Amd 1:2023 is an important amendment to the international standard on Information technology security techniques specifically addressing Message Authentication Codes (MACs). This standard focuses on Part 1 of the series, which covers mechanisms that use a block cipher to generate and verify MACs. Developed jointly by ISO and IEC under the Subcommittee SC 27, this amendment enhances the original 2011 edition by refining definitions, updating guidance on cryptographic primitives, and ensuring stronger security practices for message authentication.

This document is essential for professionals and organizations implementing secure communication protocols, cryptographic systems, and data integrity solutions in IT infrastructures.

Key Topics

• Block Cipher-based MAC Mechanisms
  The standard details algorithms that utilize block ciphers as the core primitive for generating MACs, establishing a trusted approach for validating message authenticity and integrity.

• Updated Cryptographic Guidance
  This amendment highlights the deprecation of MAC Algorithm 3 for use in new applications due to its foundation on outdated cryptographic primitives, promoting migration to more secure options.

• Notation and Definitions
  Clarifications are made to the symbolic representations used in the standard, such as the introduction of Ke specifically denoting the block cipher key in MAC algorithms for clarity.

• Security Considerations
  Changes address the overestimated security benefits of certain algorithm enhancements, with specific removals and warnings aimed at preventing insecure implementations.

• Standardization and Compliance Procedures
  The amendment reiterates the alignment with ISO/IEC Directives and provides guidance concerning intellectual property and patent considerations in MAC algorithm use.

Applications

• Data Integrity and Authentication
  ISO/IEC 9797-1:2011/Amd 1:2023 is widely applied in ensuring reliable message authentication across secure communication protocols, including banking transactions, telecommunications, and data storage.

• Cryptographic Module Development
  Hardware and software developers use this standard to design and certify MAC modules that comply with international security benchmarks, crucial for cryptographic libraries and embedded security devices.

• Secure Network Protocols
  Network security standards and protocols integrate block cipher-based MAC algorithms standardized here to verify the authenticity of data packets and prevent tampering.

• Government and Regulatory Compliance
  Entities requiring adherence to international information security standards employ this document to meet compliance with cybersecurity policies and frameworks.

Related Standards

For comprehensive security implementation, ISO/IEC 9797-1:2011/Amd 1:2023 should be used alongside related standards in the ISO/IEC 9797 series and other cybersecurity standards:

• ISO/IEC 9797-2 - Mechanisms using dedicated hash functions for MACs
• ISO/IEC 9797-3 - Mechanisms based on universal hash functions
• ISO/IEC 27001 - Information security management systems
• ISO/IEC 19790 - Security requirements for cryptographic modules
• ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and Part 2 - Standard development and editorial rules for consistency in documentation

These linked standards support a layered approach to message authentication and broader cybersecurity practices.

By following ISO/IEC 9797-1:2011/Amd 1:2023, organizations and developers ensure robust message authentication systems that leverage secure block cipher techniques, aligning with the latest international security protocols and advancing the integrity of digital communications.