Definition
256-bit encryption is an encryption algorithm that employs a 256-bit long key to encrypt and decrypt files or data. The main benefit of this key is length, which makes it extremely solid against even the most vicious attacks like brute-force attacks.
This encryption may include 2^256 potential combinations. As a result, it can be a robust protection layer against unauthorized access and sufficient security for data encryption.
Popular 256-bit Encryption Applications
- Complete disk encryption: Devices such as laptops and smartphones employ 256-bit encryption, particularly full disk encryption, to safeguard stored data.
- SSL/TLS certificates: Most websites, particularly online stores, depend on 256-bit encryption in SSL/TLS certificates to guarantee safe and trustworthy data sharing between servers and user browsers. The encryption ensures that billing information and other sensitive data are not compromised.
- Cloud storage security: Most cloud storage providers use 256-bit encryption to safeguard stored data, enhancing the security of professional and personal files in the cloud network.
How Does the 256-bit Encryption Work?
256-bit encryption deploys a highly complex algorithm to scrabble your data, making it incomprehensible without the correlating encryption key. This symmetric encryption procedure uses an identical key to encode and decode data.
The encoding and decoding procedure starts with the plaintext or initial data. The AES 256-bit encryption then converts this plaintext into an obscure cipher text.
Here is the detailed procedure:
- Your data is disintegrated into blocks of size 128 bits each.
- Every block is then operated via several rounds of transformation.
- The AES encryption algorithm uses permutation, substitution, mixing, and a round key addition.
- Lastly, the unreadable ciphertext is created.
The same key employed in the encrypting procedure is essential for data decryption. The cipher text is handled again via the AES algorithm, but inversely, to produce the initial plaintext.
The strength of 256-bit encryption depends on the key size. To decipher it, one would be required to attempt many infinite combinations. This level of protection makes 256-bit encryption a common choice for safeguarding sensitive information.
How Secure is the 256-Bit Encryption?
Hackers mainly employ brute force attacks to attack such encryptions by attempting each likely combination until they get it right. Luckily, the length of the key in a 256-bit cipher makes it impossible, as there are 1.1×10^77 potential combinations. Even using the globe’s fastest advanced PC, it would take billions of years to decipher. Therefore, you may rely on this encryption to safeguard your data confidentiality.