The AES algorithm may be used with three different key lengths; which of the following is not a recognized AES flavor?

The AES algorithm may be used with three different key lengths; which of the following is not a recognized AES flavor?

• A. AES—128
• B. AES—192
• C. AES—256
• D. AES—384

Answer: (D)

The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a symmetric encryption algorithm widely used for securing data. It is recognized for its robust security and efficiency, and it can operate with three specific key lengths: 128 bits, 192 bits, and 256 bits. These key lengths determine the strength of the encryption, with longer keys providing higher levels of security. The option indicating AES with a key length of 384 bits does not exist within the recognized standards for AES. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which established the AES specifications, only defines the algorithm with the aforementioned three key lengths. Therefore, AES—384 is not a valid or implemented version of the AES algorithm. Key lengths of 128, 192, and 256 bits are significant because they represent the maximum levels of security and performance balances that AES can achieve. Each of these key lengths has been extensively analyzed by the cryptographic community and is widely accepted for various applications. This limited range is a deliberate choice to maintain a standard that is manageable for implementation and effective against potential cryptographic attacks.

The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a symmetric encryption algorithm widely used for securing data. It is recognized for its robust security and efficiency, and it can operate with three specific key lengths: 128 bits, 192 bits, and 256 bits. These key lengths determine the strength of the encryption, with longer keys providing higher levels of security.

The option indicating AES with a key length of 384 bits does not exist within the recognized standards for AES. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which established the AES specifications, only defines the algorithm with the aforementioned three key lengths. Therefore, AES—384 is not a valid or implemented version of the AES algorithm.

Key lengths of 128, 192, and 256 bits are significant because they represent the maximum levels of security and performance balances that AES can achieve. Each of these key lengths has been extensively analyzed by the cryptographic community and is widely accepted for various applications. This limited range is a deliberate choice to maintain a standard that is manageable for implementation and effective against potential cryptographic attacks.