The Data Encryption Standard (DES)

The Data Encryption Standard (DES) is a method used to protect digital information by transforming readable data into an unreadable format, called ciphertext. It uses a specific set of rules and a secret key to perform this transformation, ensuring only authorized parties can revert it back to the original data. DES encrypts data in fixed blocks, making it useful for secure communication. Although it was once widely used, it is now considered less secure compared to newer encryption methods because advances in computing can break its protections.