Definition
3DES secures data by applying the Data Encryption Standard (DES) algorithm three times to each data block to secure it.
IBM initially created it and later adopted it as a Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) in 1977. DES employs a 56-bit key, which is quite short by modern standards, making it vulnerable to brute-force attacks.
3DES addresses this vulnerability by using three iterations of DES with three different keys, increasing the effective key length to 168 bits. This makes it almost impossible to crack it with brute-force attacks.
Although 3DES remains fairly secure, it is no longer considered the most robust encryption option. The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), presented as a FIPS in 2001, supports 128-bit, 192-bit, and 256-bit keys, making it harder to crack than 3DES and significantly faster.
Even with the emergence of new alternatives, 3DES is still widespread, especially when compatibility with DES is necessary. Organizations use it to secure data stored on magnetic media like floppy disks and hard drives. Furthermore, they use 3DES to protect data sent over insecure networks such as the Internet.
3DES Application
- Virtual private networks (VPNs): 3DES can be used to encrypt data transmitted through a VPN.
- Data encryption: 3DES can secure data at rest, such as databases and files.
- Data in transit: 3DES protects data during transmission over a network, including file transfers and emails.