The common encryption methods

There are different encryption methods based on the type of keys used, key length, and size of data blocks encrypted. Here we discuss the common 5 encryption methods.

Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)

Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a symmetric encryption algorithm that encrypts fixed blocks of data (of 128 bits) at a time. AES was developed by the U.S. Nation Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2001.

The AES algorithm trusted as the standard by the U.S. Government and numerous organizations. AES encryption standards are the most commonly used encryption methods today.

The keys used to decipher the text can be 128-, 192-, or 256-bit long. The 256-bit key encrypts the data in 14 rounds, the 192-bit key in 12 rounds, and the 128-bit key in 10 rounds. Each round consists of several steps of substitution, transposition, mixing of plain text, and more.

Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA)

RSA or Rivest-Shamir-Adleman is one of the most secure and powerful asymmetric encryption algorithms around. It supports incredible key lengths, and it is typical to see 2048- and 4096- bit keys.

RSA is often used in digital signatures but works slower when large volumes of data need to be encrypted, which means it is unsuitable for either encrypting discs or web traffic.

It also happens to be one of the methods used in our PGP and GPG programs.

Triple Data Encryption Standard (TripleDES)

Triple Data Encryption Standard is symmetric encryption and an advanced form of the DES method that encrypts blocks of data using a 56-bit key. TripleDES is commonly used to encrypt ATM PINs and UNIX passwords.

Triple DES was designed to replace the original Data Encryption Standard (DES) algorithm, which hackers eventually learned to defeat with relative ease. At one time, Triple DES was the recommended standard and the most widely used symmetric algorithm.

Triple DES uses three individual keys with 56 bits each. The total key length adds up to 168 bits, but experts would argue that 112-bits in key strength is more like it.

Despite slowly being phased out, Triple DES still manages to make a dependable hardware encryption solution for financial services and other industries.

Data Encryption Standard, or DES for short, is one of the older encryption techniques out there and is widely considered obsolete. That being said, it can still be found in many products and provides a basic level of encryption.

Learn More:

What is End-to-End Encryption?

With DES being effectively rendered obsolete after it gets cracked,  the development of TripleDES gained momentum. 

With 3DS, data is encrypted, decrypted, and then encrypted again, giving an effective key length of 168 bits. This is strong enough for the most sensitive data.

TripleDES can have one of three keying options that include: 

Option 1 – All three keys are independent. This is the strongest form.

Option 2 – Two of the three keys are independent. This offers a key strength of around 112 buts.

Option 3 – All three keys are the same. This is the least secure of the three, for obvious reasons.

However, while TripleDES is stronger than standard DES, it is not perfect and is also considered nearing the end of its life.

Twofish

Twofish is an open-source encryption method that ciphers data blocks of 128 bits. It’s considered the successor of the Blowfish encryption method that ciphered message blocks of 64 bits. Twofish always encrypts data in 16 rounds regardless of the key size. Though it works slower than AES, the Twofish encryption method continues to be used by many file and folder encryption software solutions.

Different types of encryption to secure your data

Computer security expert Bruce Schneier is the mastermind behind Blowfish and its successor Twofish. Keys used in this algorithm may be up to 256 bits in length and as a symmetric technique, only one key is needed.

Twofish is regarded as one of the fastest of its kind, and ideal for use in both hardware and software environments. Like Blowfish, Twofish is freely available. As a result, you’ll find it bundled in encryption programs such as PhotoEncrypt, GPG, and the popular open-source software TrueCrypt.

Blowfish

Blowfish is yet another algorithm designed to replace DES. This symmetric cipher splits messages into blocks of 64 bits and encrypts them individually.

Blowfish is known for both its tremendous speed and overall effectiveness as many claim that it has never been defeated. Meanwhile, vendors have taken full advantage of its free availability in the public domain.

My computer has been hacked. How do I fix it?

Blowfish can be found in software categories ranging from e-commerce platforms for securing payments to password management tools, where it used to protect passwords. It’s one of the more flexible encryption methods available.

Blowfish is yet another algorithm designed to replace DES. This symmetric cipher splits messages into blocks of 64 bits and encrypts them individually.

Blowfish is known for both its tremendous speed and overall effectiveness as many claim that it has never been defeated. Meanwhile, vendors have taken full advantage of its free availability in the public domain.

Blowfish can be found in software categories ranging from e-commerce platforms for securing payments to password management tools, where it used to protect passwords. It’s one of the more flexible encryption methods available.

The Future of Encryption

Expert observers are hopeful that a new method called Honey Encryption will deter hackers by serving up fake data for every incorrect guess of the key code. This unique approach not only slows attackers down but potentially buries the correct key in a haystack of false hopes.

There are emerging methods like quantum key distribution, which shares keys embedded in photons over fiber optic, that might have viability now and many years into the future as well.

Whether it’s protecting your email communications or stored data, some type of encryption should be included in your lineup of security tools. Successful attacks on victims like Target show that it’s not 100 percent bulletproof, but without it, you’re offering up convenient access to your data.