Data Encryption Standard (DES)

Data Encryption Standard (DES)
Data Encryption Standard (DES) is an encryption method that uses a secret key. It is
so hard to break (it provides 72 quadrillion possible keys) that the U.S. government
forbids its exportation to other countries. It is tough to break because the key is
randomly chosen from an enormous pool.
DES applies a 56-bit key to each 64-bit block of data. This is considered strong
encryption. Of course strong is a relative term, and if someone is really determined and
has the resources, it is possible to crack DES. Many organizations employ triple DES,
which applies three keys in succession.