History of Computers - Data Encryption Standard

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Intro

We all know once you store information on the internet or on a computer it can be looked at by others. So when the government needs to hide information they put on computers they must encode it. The first widely used government encryption code was made in the 1970’s in association with the NSA. This code was called the Data Encryption Standard and it coded information that needed to be secret.

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Overview

The Data Encryption standard (DES), created in 1976, is a block cypher, or algorithm of fixed groups, that used to be used as an information-processing standard for the United States. The algorithm is made of 56 bit key and was originally used for classified information that needed to be kept secret. DES takes text and translates it into a coded message. DES was based off of IBM’’s earlier design called the Lucifer cypher. DES was in widespread use until 1999 when it was publicly broken in less than 24 hours. The standard is now deemed unusable because its 56 bit key is so easily broken. DES has been modified to a form called triple DES which is rumored to be trusted with classified information but has not been cracked yet. As well, DES has been superseded by the Advanced Encryption Standard, which is the current standard for keeping information secure.

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Significance

The DES kept important information protected for almost 25 years. It is significant because it was the first of its kind and solved a very dangerous problem of free information. Since the DES was the first widely used cypher it paved the way for many other encryption standards that keep information safe today.

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