It is a symmetric-key algorithm for encrypting digital data. Developed in the 1970s, it was influential in cryptography.
DES operates on 64-bit blocks of plaintext using a 56-bit key. It applies 16 rounds of substitution and permutation to convert plaintext into ciphertext.
The DES encryption process involves initial permutation, 16 rounds of operations, and final permutation.
DES has been superseded by AES due to its relatively short 56-bit key size. However, it remains significant in cryptographic history and understanding block ciphers.
The DES algorithm satisfies the properties of avalanche effect and completeness.
Cryptanalysis has found some weaknesses in DES when using weak keys. However, there have been no significant attacks other than exhaustive key search.
Although no longer an official NIST standard, DES is still used today in legacy systems.