# KMAC

> cryptographic hash function

**Wikidata**: [Q131904300](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131904300)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kmac

## Summary
KMAC is a cryptographic hash function standardized by NIST in SP 800-185. It is designed for use in cryptographic applications and comes in multiple variants including KMAC128, KMAC256, KMACXOF128, and KMACXOF256. KMAC is part of the special class of hash functions that have properties making them suitable for cryptography.

## Key Facts
- KMAC is a cryptographic hash function standardized in NIST SP 800-185
- It has four main variants: KMAC128, KMAC256, KMACXOF128, and KMACXOF256
- KMAC is classified as a subclass of cryptographic hash functions
- It has 32 sitelinks in Wikidata, indicating significant documentation and usage
- The function is described by NIST as suitable for cryptographic applications

### Q: What is KMAC?
A: KMAC is a cryptographic hash function standardized by NIST in SP 800-185, designed for use in cryptographic applications with variants including KMAC128, KMAC256, KMACXOF128, and KMACXOF256.

### Q: What are the variants of KMAC?
A: KMAC comes in four main variants: KMAC128, KMAC256, KMACXOF128, and KMACXOF256, each offering different output sizes and capabilities for various cryptographic applications.

### Q: What makes KMAC suitable for cryptography?
A: KMAC belongs to the special class of hash functions that have specific properties making them suitable for cryptographic use, as standardized by NIST in SP 800-185.

## Why It Matters
KMAC matters because it provides a standardized, NIST-approved cryptographic hash function that meets the rigorous requirements of modern security applications. As part of NIST SP 800-185, KMAC offers developers and security professionals a trusted tool for implementing secure hashing in various cryptographic protocols. Its multiple variants (KMAC128, KMAC256, KMACXOF128, and KMACXOF256) provide flexibility for different security requirements and performance needs. The standardization by NIST ensures interoperability and reliability across different systems and implementations, which is crucial for widespread adoption in security-sensitive applications. KMAC's classification as a cryptographic hash function means it has been specifically designed to resist attacks that could compromise security, making it suitable for applications where data integrity and authentication are critical.

## Notable For
- Being standardized by NIST in SP 800-185, ensuring widespread adoption and trust
- Offering multiple variants (KMAC128, KMAC256, KMACXOF128, KMACXOF256) for different use cases
- Belonging to the special class of cryptographic hash functions with properties suitable for security applications
- Having 32 Wikidata sitelinks, indicating significant documentation and community recognition
- Providing flexibility through XOF (Extendable-Output Function) variants for variable-length output needs

## Body
### Technical Classification
KMAC is classified as a cryptographic hash function, which is a special class of hash function that has specific properties making it suitable for use in cryptography. This classification indicates that KMAC has been designed to meet the security requirements necessary for cryptographic applications, including resistance to various forms of attacks.

### Standardization and Documentation
The function is described in NIST SP 800-185, a Federal Information Processing Standard publication. This standardization by the National Institute of Standards and Technology provides official recognition and ensures that KMAC meets specific security and performance criteria. The 32 Wikidata sitelinks suggest that KMAC is well-documented across multiple platforms and has significant community recognition.

### Variants and Capabilities
KMAC comes in four main variants, each designed for different security levels and use cases:
- KMAC128: Provides 128-bit security level
- KMAC256: Provides 256-bit security level
- KMACXOF128: Extendable-Output Function variant with 128-bit security
- KMACXOF256: Extendable-Output Function variant with 256-bit security

The XOF variants allow for variable-length output, providing additional flexibility for applications that require non-standard output sizes. This range of options allows developers to choose the appropriate variant based on their specific security requirements and performance constraints.