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Glossary · Security

DES

Digital Encryption Standard

In plain language

An old data-scrambling method from the 1970s that is now too weak to protect anything important.

The metaphor

Like a padlock design from decades ago that modern computers can open quickly.

Going deeper

How it works

  • Uses a short 56-bit key.
  • Replaced by AES.
  • Old devices may still offer it.
  • A scan flags it as weak.
In practice
  • A scanner offers it as an option.
  • An audit flags a device using it.
  • A provider switches it to AES.

A question owners ask

Is my gear using it?

Rarely. Ask your provider to switch any old device to AES.

Related terms
AAAAuthentication, Authorization, and AccountingAccount takeoverACLAccess Control ListAdmin accountAESAdvanced Encryption StandardAES-256Advanced Encryption Standards 256-bitAISAutomated Indicator SharingAPTAdvanced Persistent Threat

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