Data Encryption Standard (DES)

The selective application of technological and related procedural safeguards is an important responsibility of every Federal organization in providing adequate security to its electronic data systems. This publication specifies two cryptographic algorithms, the Data Encryption Standard (DES) and the Triple Data Encryption Algorithm (TDEA) which may be used by Federal organizations to protect sensitive data. Protection of data during transmission or while in storage may be necessary to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of the information represented by the data. The algorithms uniquely define the mathematical steps required to transform data into a cryptographic cipher and also to transform the cipher back to the original form. The Data Encryption Standard is being made available for use by Federal agencies within the context of a total security program consisting of physical security procedures, good information management practices, and computer system/network access controls. This revision supersedes FIPS 46-2 in its entirety.