AES-256 encryption is one of the most secure encryption standards used worldwide today and is often referred to as the "gold standard" in cybersecurity. It is a popular encryption algorithm used across various industries—many VPN services use this algorithm to protect user data from malicious cyberattacks 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) back in 2001 and is a symmetric encryption algorithm. It is now the most widely used encryption standard in the world, replacing older standards like the Data Encryption Standard (DES). For instance, the "256" in the AES-256 parameter refers to the length of the encryption key, which is 256 bits long, making it extremely resistant to brute-force attacks.
AES works by taking data and converting it into unreadable ciphertext using a series of complex mathematical operations and multiple rounds of encryption. In the case of AES-256, 14 transformation rounds are conducted, increasing the complexity to the point where unauthorized decryption is virtually unfeasible 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—2256 or about 1.1 x 1077 combinations. (For context, a brute-force attack using even the most powerful supercomputers on Earth would take billions of years to break just a single AES-256 key.)
In addition to pure brute-force resistance, AES-256 provides:
- Block-based encryption: One block of AES will be encrypted with fixed data (128 bits), maintaining a consistent level of security for each encrypted data block.
- Symmetric encryption: This type allows both sender and receiver to work with the same key, reducing complexity and making secure implementation easier.
- Real-time performance at scale: Despite AES-256 being a complex algorithm, it has been optimized to perform at high speeds, allowing its use in real-time applications like VPNs.
Why do VPN services use it?
VPNs are used to enhance user privacy, keep data safe, and protect internet connections. This is what makes AES-256 encryption the perfect choice for this:
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Mighty shield against cyber attacks
VPNs secure data sent across the internet to ensure it can't be intercepted en route by third parties, from hackers and internet service providers (ISPs) to governments. VPNs use AES-256 encryption, which guarantees that data is captured as encrypted, meaning that without the decryption key it cannot be read. -
Privacy assurance
The main purpose of a VPN is to provide privacy by obscuring 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. This level of encryption helps to keep users' browsing habits, location, and personal information from being discovered or tracked. -
Resistance against brute-force attacks
VPN providers are constantly under attack to break into encrypted data. The immense number of possible keys with AES-256 makes it incredibly resistant to brute-force attacks, where attackers attempt to crack the key by testing all possible combinations. Long-term data protection is necessary for VPNs used in environments where adversaries may employ advanced methods. -
Performance optimization
AES-256 runs effectively on contemporary processors, allowing VPNs to deliver secure yet stable connections. Thanks to these features and capabilities, VPN services can support high data transfer without compromising encryption strength, providing the best user experience. -
Compliance with regulatory and industry standards
AES-256 encryption is often used to satisfy regulatory requirements in various sectors, such as financial services and healthcare, regarding 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 signal to users, as adopting AES-256 ensures VPN providers are aligned with best practices in data security.
Disadvantages of AES-256
AES-256 encryption offers high-level security but is not without flaws. If a device has low processing power, this can lead to slower VPN speeds, as 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 complete 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).
