Encryption standards are crucial for ensuring data security and privacy. This guide provides an overview of some of the most widely used encryption standards across various industries.

Common Encryption Standards

  • AES (Advanced Encryption Standard): A symmetric key encryption algorithm used by governments and organizations worldwide.
  • RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman): An asymmetric encryption algorithm commonly used for secure data transmission.
  • SHA-256 (Secure Hash Algorithm 256-bit): A cryptographic hash function used to ensure data integrity.

AES

AES is a symmetric encryption algorithm that operates on blocks of data. It is known for its speed and security, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

  • Key Lengths: AES supports key lengths of 128, 192, and 256 bits.
  • Modes of Operation: AES can be used in various modes of operation, such as CBC (Cipher Block Chaining) and GCM (Galois/Counter Mode).

AES Algorithm

RSA

RSA is an asymmetric encryption algorithm, meaning it uses two different keys: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption.

  • Security: RSA is known for its high level of security, making it suitable for secure data transmission over the internet.
  • Applications: RSA is commonly used in SSL/TLS certificates, digital signatures, and other cryptographic applications.

RSA Algorithm

SHA-256

SHA-256 is a cryptographic hash function that generates a 256-bit hash value from an input data block. It is widely used for ensuring data integrity and authenticity.

  • Applications: SHA-256 is used in various applications, including digital signatures, password storage, and data verification.
  • Security: SHA-256 is resistant to collision attacks, making it a secure choice for cryptographic applications.

SHA-256 Hash Function

For more information on encryption standards, please visit our Encryption Best Practices.