Which organization developed the message authentication code standard?

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) developed the message authentication code (MAC) standard, specifically outlined in the ANSI X9.9 standard. This standard is crucial for providing a way to ensure the integrity and authenticity of messages in various communication protocols.

By using a MAC, organizations can verify that a message has not been altered in transit and can ascertain the identity of the sender. This is especially imperative in cybersecurity and data protection, where maintaining data integrity and authenticity is a fundamental requirement. ANSI plays a significant role in establishing standards for various industries, including information technology and cybersecurity, making it the appropriate organization associated with this specific standard.

In contrast, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) focus on broader international standards affecting a wide range of industries but are not specifically responsible for the MAC standard. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) primarily deals with consumer protection and trade regulation rather than technical standards in cybersecurity.