Triple DES (3DES)

Triple DES (3DES) is an encryption method that enhances the security of the original Data Encryption Standard (DES). Instead of encrypting data once, it applies the DES algorithm three times using three different keys. This process significantly increases the difficulty for unauthorized parties to decrypt the information. 3DES is used to protect sensitive data in banking, finance, and other secure communications, providing a stronger level of security than single DES while remaining compatible with systems designed for DES. It’s a reliable, though now somewhat slower, way to keep data confidential.