Data Encryption Standard

The Data Encryption Standard (DES) is a method used to protect sensitive information by converting it into a coded format. It takes plain text data and scrambles it using a specific key, making it unreadable to anyone without the correct key. DES was widely used in the 1970s to secure electronic communications and data storage. However, as technology advanced, it became less secure due to its relatively short key length, prompting the development of newer encryption methods. Despite this, DES laid the groundwork for modern encryption techniques and remains an important part of cybersecurity history.