DES/3DES Encryption/Decryption Tool
Classic symmetric encryption algorithm, supporting DES and Triple DES
⚠️ Security Warning
DES/3DES are legacy encryption algorithms, not recommended for new security applications. For new projects, please use modern algorithms like AES-256.
DES key length: 8 bytes (64 bits, effective 56 bits)
Format Options
About DES/3DES Encryption
DES (Data Encryption Standard) is a symmetric-key block cipher developed by IBM in the 1970s and adopted by the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) as a Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) in 1977.
Due to DES's 56-bit key being no longer secure, 3DES (Triple DES) was developed. 3DES uses three DES keys for three encryption passes, greatly improving security.
Encryption Modes
- CBC: CBC (Cipher Block Chaining): Each plaintext block is XORed with the previous ciphertext block before encryption. Requires IV, more secure.
- ECB: ECB (Electronic Codebook): Each block is encrypted independently. No IV needed, but same plaintext produces same ciphertext, less secure.
- CFB: CFB (Cipher Feedback): Converts block cipher to stream cipher. Requires IV.
- OFB: OFB (Output Feedback): Converts block cipher to stream cipher, output feeds back to input. Requires IV.
DES vs 3DES Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Length | Block Size | Security | Speed | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DES | 56 bits (8 bytes) | 64 bits | Low - Vulnerable to brute force | Fast | Only for legacy system compatibility |
| 3DES-2Key | 112 bits (16 bytes) | 64 bits | Medium | Medium | Recommended for legacy systems |
| 3DES-3Key | 168 bits (24 bytes) | 64 bits | Higher | Slower (3x DES) | Recommended for legacy systems |
Security Recommendations
- DES is no longer secure due to its short key length, not recommended for new systems.
- Although 3DES is more secure, it has been replaced by AES. Use AES for new projects.
- If you must use 3DES, use 168-bit keys (3 different keys).
- Avoid using ECB mode as it leaks data patterns.
- Use different IV for each encryption, even with the same key.
Use Cases
- Legacy financial systems: POS terminals, ATMs, etc.
- Legacy payment gateways: Inter-bank data transmission
- Legacy software integration: Communication with DES/3DES-only systems
- Magnetic stripe encryption: PIN block encryption in EMV payment standard