AES 256-Bit Encryption

AES 256-bit encryption, a technology leveraged by PureVPN, transforms your online data into an intricate code, making it virtually unreadable to hackers. By offering a staggering number of potential combinations, it safeguards your online data from threats such as brute-force attacks.

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What is AES 256-Bit Encryption?

AES 256-bit encryption is a security method used to protect digital information. Think of it as a super-strong lock on your data. AES stands for Advanced Encryption Standard, and ‘256-bit’ refers to the size of the key used to lock and unlock your data. The larger the key size, the tougher the lock is to crack. In the case of a 256-bit key, there are more possible combinations than there are atoms in the universe, making your data incredibly safe.

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How Many Bits is AES Encryption?

AES encryption comes in three key sizes: 128, 192, and 256 bits. Each ‘bit’ represents a binary decision, a yes/no, making the encryption more complex as the number of bits increases. The 256-bit version, the most secure among them, creates a key with an astronomically large number of possible combinations, making the encoded data extremely difficult to crack.

How Safe is 256-Bit Encryption? Can it be Cracked?

AES 256-bit encryption is incredibly safe. The ‘256-bit’ refers to the length of the encryption key, and the number of possible combinations is so vast (roughly 1 followed by 77 zeros) that even with the most powerful supercomputers, it would take billions of years to crack it by brute force. Thus, while theoretically it can be cracked, practically, it is nearly impossible with current technology.

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When Should You Use AES 256-Bit Encryption?

When shopping online

During online shopping, AES 256-bit encryption safeguards your payment information, such as credit card details, from being intercepted by cybercriminals.

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As a patient/doctor

For example, when engaging in communication with your doctor as a patient, it is essential to employ AES 256-bit encryption. This ensures that your messages regarding your private health concerns remain secure and impervious to any unauthorized snooping attempts.

Government

The state uses 256-bit encryption to secure key sensitive documents/data and conversations pertaining to national security to ensure that the data is protected against key global cyberattacks by hackers and states.

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When practicing journalism

Journalists work with sensitive information and sources that require absolute confidentiality. AES 256-bit encryption will keep you safe when you communicate or store data.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is 256-Bit Encryption Safe?

    Yes, 256-bit encryption is remarkably safe. This encryption level is so secure that it’s used by governments and cybersecurity experts worldwide. The number of possible key combinations in 256-bit encryption is astronomically high, making it practically impervious to brute force attacks with existing technology.

  • Can You Decrypt 256-Bit Encryption?

    Technically, yes, you can decrypt 256-bit encryption, but only if you have the correct encryption key. Without it, decrypting this robust encryption standard would require immense computational power and an astronomical amount of time. The security of 256-bit encryption lies in the sheer number of key combinations, which is too vast for even supercomputers to crack in a feasible time frame.

  • Has AES 256-Bit Encryption Been Cracked?

    There have been no confirmed instances of AES 256-bit encryption being successfully cracked through brute-force attacks or any other techniques. 256-bit encryption would not be considered to be one of the most secure encryption methods if it had been cracked.

  • What Does 256-Bit AES Encryption Mean?

    Think of 256-bit AES encryption as a sophisticated puzzle. ‘AES’ is a type of puzzle, a globally accepted standard for securing data. The ‘256-bit’ part refers to the number of pieces in this puzzle. The more pieces (or bits), the harder it is to solve, making your data extremely secure.