AES-256 encryption is one of the most secure encryption standards used worldwide today and is often called the "gold standard" in cybersecurity. It is a popular encryption algorithm utilized across various industries. Many VPN services employ this algorithm to protect user data from malicious cyber threats and unauthorized access.
What is AES-256 encryption?
The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) was established as a U.S. government standard by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2001 and is a symmetric encryption algorithm. It is currently the most widely used encryption standard globally, surpassing older standards such as the Data Encryption Standard (DES). For instance, the "256" in AES-256 refers to the length of the encryption key, which is 256 bits long, making it extremely resistant to brute-force attacks.
AES operates by taking data and converting it into unreadable ciphertext using complex mathematical operations and multiple rounds of encryption. In AES-256, 14 rounds of transformation occur, increasing the complexity to the point where unauthorized decryption is virtually impossible without a valid key.
Why is AES-256 encryption so secure?
The key length of 256 bits for AES-256 encryption translates into an astronomical number of potential key combinations — 2^256, or approximately 1.1 x 10^77 combinations. (For context, a brute-force attack using even the most powerful supercomputers on Earth would take billions of years to decipher just a single AES-256 key.)
Besides pure brute-force resistance, AES-256 offers:
- Block-based encryption: AES encrypts one block with fixed data (128 bits) maintaining the same level of security for each encrypted piece of data.
- Symmetric encryption: This type ensures both the sender and receiver use the same key, reducing complexity and facilitating secure implementation.
- Real-time performance at scale: Despite being a complex algorithm, AES-256 has been optimized to perform at high speeds, making it suitable for real-time applications like VPNs.
Why do VPN services use it?
VPNs aim to enhance user privacy, safeguard data, and protect internet connections. This makes AES-256 encryption the ideal choice for this purpose:
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Powerful defense against cyber attacks
VPNs secure data transmitted over the internet to prevent interception by third parties like hackers, internet service providers (ISPs), or governments. VPNs use AES-256 encryption, ensuring that data is captured as encrypted, meaning it cannot be read without the decryption key. -
Privacy assurance
A VPN's primary aim is to provide privacy by concealing user activity from any external monitoring. AES-256 is resistant to cryptanalysis, making it impossible for malicious actors or monitoring entities to decode user data. Such a level of encryption helps keep users’ browsing habits, location, and personal information from being discovered or tracked. -
Resistance against brute-force attacks
VPN providers constantly face attacks aimed at breaking into encrypted data. The enormous number of possible keys with AES-256 makes it incredibly resistant to brute-force attacks, where attackers try to crack the key by testing all possible combinations. Long-term data protection is essential for VPNs used in environments where adversaries may use advanced methods. -
Performance optimization
AES-256 runs efficiently on modern processors, allowing VPNs to provide secure yet stable connections. Due to these features and capabilities, VPN services can support high data transfer rates without compromising encryption strength, offering an optimal user experience. -
Compliance with regulatory and industry standards
AES-256 encryption is often used to meet regulatory requirements in various sectors, such as financial services and healthcare, concerning data security. For VPN services, AES-256 not only offers security benefits but also compliance with standards like GDPR and HIPAA. This sends a positive message to users, as adopting AES-256 aligns VPN providers with best practices in data security.
Disadvantages of AES-256
Though AES-256 encryption provides high-level security, it is not flawless. Devices with low processing power may experience slower VPN speeds because the encryption process will be less efficient. Additionally, while AES-256 encryption helps keep data secure, it does not prevent the VPN provider from collecting that information. For full privacy, users must choose VPN services that have a No-logs policy in addition to AES-256 encryption.
VPNs that offer AES-256 encryption:
- Surfshark VPN (Surfshark VPN's biggest draw is that you can connect an unlimited number of devices to a single subscription, which is not the case with most other VPN providers.).
- NordVPN (Strong privacy protection with military-grade encryption. It offers a large server network, allowing for fast and reliable connections, and is superb at unblocking streaming services. It has a few unique features such as strong security, fast speeds, and global coverage.).
- ExpressVPN (one of the most popular VPN services is ExpressVPN which has servers in over 100 countries globally. Quick, secure, trustworthy, anonymous.).
- TurboVPN (TurboVPN is a popular and ultra-fast VPN service. It has servers across over 110 locations and a simple user interface).
- Proton VPN (Proton VPN is a well-known VPN service with 10 million+ users and is located in Switzerland. The tariff offering is not inexpensive either, but you receive stable and super-fast speed and every protection and innovative data solutions in return.).
- VeePN (VeePN is a very popular VPN service with over 40 million active users. It has a reasonable price, an easy-to-learn interface for all the platforms.).
- PureVPN (PureVPN is a fairly successful VPN service at low prices).
- IPVanish (IPVanish provides a cost-effective 2-year plan, ideal for those who want to use it for a while.).
- PrivateVPN (PrivateVPN is a VPN provider based in Sweden).
