Machinekey Validationkey In Web.config [best] ✪ [ Simple ]

If an attacker modifies an authentication cookie, the server uses the validationKey to re-calculate the hash; if it doesn't match, the request is rejected.

This article breaks down what the validationKey does, why it matters, and how to configure it properly. What is the MachineKey ValidationKey? machinekey validationkey in web.config

While decryptionKey handles encryption (privacy), the validationKey handles integrity and authenticity. If an attacker modifies an authentication cookie, the

The hex string above is exactly 64 characters long (256 bits). if it doesn't match

To ensure consistency, you should replace AutoGenerate with a static, cryptographically strong random string. A standard machineKey entry looks like this:

static void Main()