What is Triple DES?


Triple DES is also called a TDES. It is a symmetric key block cipher, defining that the same key can be used to encrypt and decrypt information in fixed-length set of bits known as blocks. It is known as "Triple DES" because it uses the DES cipher three times when encrypting data.

When DES was originally invented in 1976, it need a key size of 56 bits, which was an adequate level of security to oppose brute-force attacks. Because then, computers have become economical and more strong, allowing the 3DES algorithm to use DES three times successively, essentially stopping brute-force on modern computers.

Triple Data Encryption Algorithm (3DES) is an upgrading of the famous DES standard. 3DES uses symmetric key block cipher. By using three unrelated 64 bit keys, 3DES was produced to encrypt 64 bit blocks of information.

In DES block, each key is used as an input. Without making an entire new cryptosystem, 3DES can feature the possible defect in DES. Through advance the algorithm three times in advancement with three unlike keys, 3-DES simply improves the key size of DES. As DES uses a 56 bit key and it is not efficient to encrypt sensitive information.

TDES is an ANSI sanctioned algorithm for encryption. In TDES, block cipher algorithms are used and each data block receive the application of the algorithms thrice. The size of the key is enhanced so that the security can be improved and create superior.

There are 64 bits of data in each block and the keys are three in number, known as bundle keys. Each key has 56 bits, creating TDES 168 bits.

Triple DES is beneficial because it has an essentially sized key length, which is higher than most key lengths associated with other encryption modes. However, the DES algorithm was restored by the Advanced Encryption Standard by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Therefore, the Triple DES is treated to be obsolete.

Yet, it can be generally used in conjunction with Triple DES. It determines from single DES but the approach is used in triplicate and contains three sub keys and key padding when important, including instances where the keys should be increased to 64 bits in length.

It is known for its compatibility and flexibility, software can simply be transformed for Triple DES inclusion. Hence, it may not be nearly as obsolete as regarded by NIST.

Data or message using a single secret key can be encrypted or decrypted by 3DES. The message is decrypted at the IP layer, in the receiver system, in which the sender and receiver systems assign a public key by way of security association.

Key allocation is generally achieved through an internet security association and key administration protocol that authorize the receiver to obtain a public key and validate the sender using digital certificates.

Updated on: 15-Mar-2022

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