AES Encryption/Decryption

What is AES Encryption?

The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a symmetric encryption algorithm established by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2001. It's widely considered one of the most secure encryption algorithms available today and is used by governments, financial institutions, and businesses worldwide to protect sensitive data.

How AES Works

AES is a block cipher that encrypts data in fixed-size blocks of 128 bits (16 bytes). It supports key lengths of 128, 192, or 256 bits. The longer the key, the more secure the encryption, with AES-256 (using a 256-bit key) being the strongest variant.

The algorithm works by performing multiple rounds of substitution and permutation operations on the data. The number of rounds depends on the key size: 10 rounds for 128-bit keys, 12 rounds for 192-bit keys, and 14 rounds for 256-bit keys.

Key Features of Our AES Tool

• Support for 128, 192, and 256-bit encryption keys
• CBC (Cipher Block Chaining) mode support with custom IV
• Client-side encryption/decryption (your data never leaves your browser)
• Easy-to-use interface with copy functionality
• Random key and IV generation

Common Use Cases

AES encryption is used in many applications, including:

• Protecting sensitive data at rest (stored data)
• Securing communications over networks
• Encrypting files and folders
• Securing password databases
• VPN connections and wireless security (WPA2)

Security Considerations

While AES itself is extremely secure, implementations can be vulnerable if not done correctly. Some important considerations:

• Always use strong, unique keys
• For maximum security, use AES-256
• Store encryption keys securely, separate from the encrypted data
• When using CBC mode, always use a unique IV for each encryption operation
• Consider using authenticated encryption modes when possible