Authentication Codes from Error-Correcting Codes; An Overview

The purpose of an authentication code is to give proof that a message is authentic, i.e. it was not sent by an imposter and it has not been altered on its way to the receiver. Secrecy could also be an issue here, but in many cases the receiver just wants to be sure that the message is genuine. Unlike digital signature schemes, authentication codes aim at unconditional security. The opponent is assumed to have unlimited computer power. Many constructions of authentication codes are based on error correcting codes. After an introduction, an overview of these techniques will be given.