Network Encryption Algorithms

Network encryption algorithms protect data confidentiality and integrity during transit and storage. These algorithms are essential for securing modern network communications.

Algorithm

Description

Use Case

AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)

Symmetric block cipher with 128-, 192-, or 256-bit keys. Fast, secure, and widely adopted across many applications. Used in VPNs, TLS, and encrypted storage.

VPN encryption, HTTPS/TLS, disk encryption

DES (Data Encryption Standard)

Older symmetric cipher using 56-bit keys. Now considered insecure due to brute-force vulnerabilities. Primarily in legacy systems.

Legacy system compatibility

3DES (Triple DES)

Applies DES encryption three times for added security. More secure than DES but slower and deprecated.

Legacy financial systems, ATM networks

RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman)

Asymmetric encryption based on large integer factorization. Used for secure key exchange and digital signatures.

SSL/TLS handshakes, email signing, SSH authentication

ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography)

Asymmetric algorithm using elliptic curves for smaller keys and faster operations.

Mobile encryption, digital signatures, IoT devices

ChaCha20

Fast stream cipher optimized for software, especially on constrained devices.

TLS (Google Chrome), VPNs, SSH

Blowfish

Block cipher with variable-length key up to 448 bits. Mostly replaced by AES.

Password hashing (bcrypt), file encryption

TwoFish

AES finalist cipher with strong security and flexibility.

Disk encryption, open-source secure apps

RFC: FIPS PUB 197

Main Features:

  • Symmetric block cipher (128-bit blocks)

  • Key sizes: 128, 192, or 256 bits

  • Extremely fast and secure

  • Widely used in TLS, IPsec, WPA2/WPA3

Use Cases:

  • VPN traffic encryption

  • HTTPS/TLS communication

  • Encrypted file and disk storage

Alternative Algorithms:

  • ChaCha20 – Better performance on mobile devices

  • TwoFish – Flexible alternative for disk encryption

Let us learn more about AES:

Jump to “AES”

RFC: FIPS PUB 46-3

Main Features:

  • 56-bit symmetric key

  • 64-bit block size

  • Vulnerable to brute-force attacks

  • Considered obsolete

Use Cases:

  • Legacy systems only

  • Cryptography education and reference

Alternative Algorithms:

  • AES – Modern secure replacement

  • 3DES – Transitional stronger variant

Let us learn more about DES:

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RFC: NIST SP 800-67

Main Features:

  • Encrypts data three times using DES

  • 112- or 168-bit key length

  • Slower than AES

  • Used mainly in legacy financial systems

Use Cases:

  • ATM and banking security

  • Legacy enterprise encryption

Alternative Algorithms:

  • AES – Faster and more secure

  • TwoFish – Modern alternative cipher

Let us learn more about 3DES:

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RFC: RFC 8017 (PKCS #1 v2.2)

Main Features:

  • Asymmetric encryption using public/private keys

  • Key sizes: 1024, 2048, 4096 bits

  • High computational overhead

  • Used for digital signatures and secure key exchange

Use Cases:

  • TLS handshakes and certificates

  • Email encryption and signing

  • SSH key authentication

Alternative Algorithms:

  • ECC – Faster with smaller keys

  • Diffie–Hellman – Secure key exchange

Let us learn more about RSA:

Jump to “RSA”

RFC: RFC 7748, RFC 4492

Main Features:

  • Asymmetric cryptography using elliptic curves

  • Smaller key sizes with equivalent security to RSA

  • Efficient CPU and memory usage

Use Cases:

  • Mobile and IoT device encryption

  • VPN encryption (e.g., Curve25519)

  • Digital signatures

Alternative Algorithms:

  • RSA – More established but heavier

  • EdDSA – ECC-based signature scheme

Let us learn more about ECC:

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RFC: RFC 8439

Main Features:

  • Stream cipher optimized for software performance

  • 256-bit key with nonce-based encryption

  • Resistant to timing attacks

Use Cases:

  • TLS in Google Chrome and Android

  • VPNs like WireGuard

  • SSH encryption

Alternative Algorithms:

  • AES – Better hardware support

  • Salsa20 – Predecessor stream cipher

Let us learn more about ChaCha20:

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RFC: Not standardized by RFC (Published by Schneier)

Main Features:

  • 64-bit block cipher

  • Variable key length up to 448 bits

  • Fast in software but limited block size

Use Cases:

  • Password hashing (bcrypt)

  • Embedded system encryption

Alternative Algorithms:

  • AES – Modern replacement

  • TwoFish – Larger blocks and stronger design

Let us learn more about Blowfish:

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RFC: AES competition finalist (no formal RFC)

Main Features:

  • 128-bit block cipher

  • Variable key lengths up to 256 bits

  • Strong and efficient design

Use Cases:

  • Disk encryption (e.g., VeraCrypt)

  • Open-source cryptographic apps

Alternative Algorithms:

  • AES – Widely used standard

  • Serpent – Another AES finalist

Let us learn more about TwoFish:

Jump to “TwoFish”