What Does 256-bit Encryption Mean, and How Secure is it?

In this post, I will provide you with all the information about 256-bit Encryption. Let’s start with the basics and understand everything in a story mode.

256-bit Encryption

It starts from the security level and security claim, Which are expressed in binary form.

There is a private key with a value, and attackers must perform n number of operations to get these values.

This value is in the form of two types of numbers containing one’s(1’s) and zero’s(0’s), binary form. If there is 2 bit key then it needs to be 2²= 4 values.

What is Encryption?

How does encryption work
How does encryption work

The process of converting one normal formate of data into an unauthorized formate to increase data security. The encryption and Decryption method is used to process that data and prevent any cyber attack. There are different keys used to encrypt normal formate data, over here it is used as 256-bit Encryption.

Before we discuss this 256-bit Encryption, let’s learn some things about Encryption. When we use data to perform an algorithmic function, this type of data is called plain text, which means unencrypted data. After completing the function, it creates an encrypted ciphertext.

The algorithms are called keys and can be used in two major ways. First public keys are used in asymmetric encryption to keep secrets, and second, private keys, are used for practical means of decryption.

There is a flow for encryption decryption in which, firstly, it is all available in plaintext form.

It’s encrypted to Ciphertext and then decrypted again to the plaintext form. Plaintext form is a readable form of messages.

Also Read: Top 25+ Free Open-Source Software Programs 

What Does 256-Bit Encryption Mean?

What does 256-bit Encryption means

256-bit Encryption Means there are 256-bit keys, and it can have 2²⁵⁶ possible combinations. Several possible cases in the form of 2²⁵⁶ is 2 x 2, x 2, x 2… 256 times.

The inner side of the algorithm uses a key-based number of combinations to convert data into encrypted format. For 256-bit encryption, 2256 different combinations are created, from which one should be reminded as per the algorithm. This process makes the data secure on another level.

The best way to crack an encryption key is ‘brute-forcing’ and it is trial & and error in simple terms. The hacker must try most of the 2²⁵⁶ possible combinations before concluding.

How Strong & Secure Is 256-bit Encryption?

Asymmetric encryption is based on mathematical problems which are easy to encrypt but on the other way, the process of decryption is the reverse process. It’s quite difficult to do properly.

Decryption is Attacks against asymmetric public keys, which is why using symmetric encryption by using private keys on brute force style searches for key space.

256 Bit Encryption Types

The most used encryption algorithm includes RSA, AES, and ECC. AES is used to compare both symmetric and unsymmetrical encryption based on security and processing speed.

Symmetric Encryption is best for security purposes because it’s hard to break down by brute-force methods, but it is slower and less efficient to applicable. For most places, AES-128 is used to prefer to work faster and give efficiency in working. For more security, we prefer to choose AES-256 encryption.

How is 256-bit encryption secure from brute-force attacks?

As per the above process of 256-bit encryption, There are 2^256 possible combinations which is around 1.157920892×10⁷⁷. When someone tries to attack on server using the brute force method, It is impossible to crack the encrypted code and get the actual data.

There is a decryption key required to again convert the data from encrypted form (ciphertext) to normal form (plain text). If the attacker anyhow gets the decryption key, He will be able to get all the data. You should prevent the decryption key from leaking. The decryption key is the only way to convert your all data from the encrypted form to the normal form.

This security is called public key cryptography, one of the strongest secures, and can be solved by calculation of the implementation’s computational.

Practical Illustration of Encryption and Decryption in Data Security

Let’s discuss an example of AES-256 security for encryption/decryption of messages over the internet for secure sharing of your private data.

While transferring data on the internet, there are encrypted data are sent or received. For receiving corrected and plaintext messages from the sender, There are decrypter tools available in machines to convert encrypted data. For sending data securely an encrypter is available in the sender’s machine to convert normal to ciphertext.

TLS (Transport Layer Security) and SSL (Secure Socket Layer) are used to send and receive messages from one place to another. For the security of messages from leaks via the internet TLS and SSL protocols are used.

Key Management

To maintain security, You need to learn about the management of encryption keys. Who to share the key and how to protect it?

Generate a strong and randomized key such that no one can predict the data encryption key.

Remind that you have to change the key with time, the reason that if someone gets the key he will not be able to use data for a long time.

Share the key with people on your team and trustworthy people only. Also uses a key for a key which makes it more secure.

Read Next: Top 9 programming languages for 2024

Conclusion

In this article, a maximum of 256 bits of encryption is covered in which basic theory and meaning of such things are available to read and get some prior knowledge.

Here is the process for encryption and decryption process to unlock any messages from the lock without knowing the actual keys.

Using symmetric and unsymmetrical keys, we can open it and know about its security strengths.

Photo of author

Abhishek

Abhishek is a highly accomplished and experienced software developer and engineer with a degree in Computer Science also has 6+ years of dedicated experience in the field of blogging. He specializes in computer science fundamentals, programming, and technology. He is great at solving problems using computers and can explain tricky technical things in a way that's easy to understand and use.

Leave a Comment