Coventry University 350CT: Analyzing 3DES and AES Encryption Methods

This report provides a comparative analysis of 3DES and AES encryption standards, key components of systems security. The report begins with an introduction to both algorithms, explaining their evolution and purpose. It then proceeds to compare the structures of 3DES and AES, highlighting differences such as block sizes and the use of Feistel networks versus permutation-substitution. A detailed comparison of their performance is provided, including data transfer rates and key lengths. The report also discusses the security aspects of both algorithms, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of 3DES and AES against various attacks. The report concludes by recommending AES as the preferred standard for encryption, due to its superior performance and security features, while acknowledging the continuing relevance of 3DES in certain contexts. The report also includes references to relevant academic papers.

AES Encryption
Triple DES (3DES) encryption is considered as a
method for reusing the DES implementations
through chaining of three DES instances having
different keys. AES has evolved after DES as a
standard algorithm with symmetric encryption for
the US federal organizations. AES came into
existence from an open competition that comprised
of various cryptographers across the world.
•Aleisa, N., 2015. A Comparison of the 3DES and AES Encryption
Standards. International Journal of Security and Its Applications, 9(7),
pp.241-246.
•Patil, P., Narayankar, P., Narayan, D.G. and Meena, S.M., 2016. A
comprehensive evaluation of cryptographic algorithms: DES, 3DES, AES,
RSA and Blowfish. Procedia Computer Science, 78, pp.617-624.
•Sivakumar, R., Balakumar, B. and Pandeeswaran, V.A., 2018. A Study of
Encryption Algorithms (DES, 3DES and AES) for Information Security.
•Wahid, M.N.A., Ali, A., Esparham, B. and Marwan, M., 2018. A
Comparison of Cryptographic Algorithms: DES, 3DES, AES, RSA and
Blowfish for Guessing Attacks Prevention.
•
3DES is still thought to be secure as it involves 2112
operations that is not possible to be achieved with the use
of innovative technology. 3DES encryption standard is slow
in context to software implementations as it was being
designed mainly for performance in hardware. AES uses
128, 192 or 256 bits however, sufficient strength for
performance is being provided by 128 bit keys. 128 bit
blocks is being used by AES that is efficient in both
software and hardware implementations. Triple DES
(3DES) also known as Triple Data Encryption Algorithm
(TDEA) is a way of using DES encryption three times. But
even Triple DES was proven ineffective against brute force
attacks. AES data encryption is a more mathematically
efficient and elegant cryptographic algorithm, but its main
strength rests in the option for various key lengths.
With respect to structure, Feistel network is being used by DES in which a
block is divided into two halves before proceeding with the steps for
encryption. While, permutation-substitution is being used by AES which
comprises of a series of steps with substitution and permutation so that an
encrypted block can be created.
 3DES uses 64-bit blocks whereas AES uses 128-bit blocks.
For transferring 256 MB data, 3DES encryption requires 12 seconds
while AES requires 5 seconds.
The average data transfer rate of 3DES is 12 MB per second and AES is
51.2 MB per second.
It has also been identified that performance of 3DES is low while AES is
considered to be Medium.
The key length for 3DES is 56 bits whereas AES supports 128, 192, or
256 bits.
The cipher type of both 3DES and AES is Symmetric Block cipher.
AES requires low cost as compared to 3DES.
AES could be implemented and used in small device while 3DES requires
high end machine.
From the overall discussions, it can be concluded that AES is
the best suited encryption standard in terms of security as it is
unbreakable in practical use. It may seem that the DES and
3DES are no longer in use but the case is that it is far beyond
the capability of present day attacks. The main reason is the
cost for implementation as the cost for developing machine with
DES or 3DES encryption is high. Whereas, it is evident that
AES could be designed in hardware and software that works
even in small devices.
Comparison
3DES Encryption
3DES vs
AES
Introduction
Analysis
Conclusion
References