What is the primary drawback in using an AES (advanced encryption standard) algorithm with a 256-bit key when sharing sensitive data? (2024)

FAQs

What is the primary drawback in using an AES (advanced encryption standard) algorithm with a 256-bit key when sharing sensitive data? ›

Explanation: The primary drawback of using the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm with a 256-bit key to share sensitive data is that due to the key size, it may take a longer time to encrypt and decrypt the message, which can hinder efficient communication.

Due to the key size, the time it will take to encrypt and decrypt the message hinders efficient communication. It is a symmetric key algorithm, meaning each recipient must receive the key through a different channel than the message.

Disadvantages of AES

The encryption and decryption process is resource-intensive and can be slow on low-end devices. AES can be vulnerable to side-channel attacks, where an attacker can observe the physical characteristics of the device performing the encryption or decryption process to gain information about the key.

AES is a substitution-permutation network that uses a key expansion process where the initial key is used to come up with new keys called round keys. The round keys are generated over multiple rounds of modification. Each round makes it harder to break the encryption. The AES-256 encryption uses 14 such rounds.

However, most devices today have much faster processors, and using 256-bit encryption does not typically slow down job execution significantly.

AES-192 and AES-128 are not considered quantum resistant due to their smaller key sizes. AES-192 has a strength of 96 bits against quantum attacks and AES-128 has 64 bits of strength against quantum attacks, making them both insecure.

AES-256 encryption is a widely used and highly secure encryption algorithm that plays a crucial role in protecting sensitive data. It is a symmetric encryption algorithm, meaning that the same key is used for both encryption and decryption.

AES: AES aims to provide confidentiality by encrypting data so that unauthorized parties cannot read it without the correct key. SHA-256: SHA-256 aims to provide data integrity and authenticity. It ensures that the data has not been tampered with and generates a unique fingerprint (hash) for each unique input.

Since other variants such as 192-bits and 256-bits use more rounds for transformation, AES-128 is comparatively less secure.

128-bit and 256-bit AES both have their pros and cons. AES-128 is faster and more efficient and less likely to have a full attack developed against it (due to a stronger key schedule). AES-256 is more resistant to brute force attacks and is only weak against related key attacks (which should never happen anyway).

Has AES 256 been broken? ›

The difference between cracking the AES-128 algorithm and AES-256 algorithm is considered minimal. Whatever breakthrough might crack 128-bit will probably also crack 256-bit. In the end, AES has never been cracked yet and is safe against any brute force attacks contrary to belief and arguments.

Some hail AES-256 as unbreakable through brute force, but the truth lies in the enormity of time and computational power required. While theoretically crackable with extraordinary resources, it would take around 10 to 18 years to breach AES-256 encryption.

It's virtually impossible to break AES-256 through brute force attacks, no matter how powerful the computer(s) involved in the process.

In general, longer passwords are more secure than shorter passwords. In fact, taking maximum advantage of the full strength of AES encryption requires a password of approximately 32 characters for 128-bit encryption and 64 characters for 256-bit encryption.

AES-128 is suited to protect secret information. AES-256 on the other hand may be a bit slower and take longer to execute. However, it is used to protect the top-secret information of the government. AES-256 can resist brute force attacks but may not safeguard against related-key attacks.

The exceptional security of AES 256 lies in its robust key length, rendering it exceedingly resistant to brute force attacks. The encryption process incorporates multiple rounds of data substitution, permutation, and mixing, fortifying its resistance to decryption without the correct key.

BitLocker uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) as its encryption algorithm with configurable key lengths of 128 bits or 256 bits. The default encryption setting is AES-128, but the options are configurable by using Group Policy.