Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Cybersecurity Practice Test

How many rounds does the DES encryption algorithm utilize?

1. 8 rounds

2. 10 rounds

3. 12 rounds

4. 16 rounds

The correct answer is: 16 rounds

The DES (Data Encryption Standard) encryption algorithm utilizes 16 rounds for its encryption process. Each round involves a series of permutations, substitutions, and mixing of the input data with a subkey derived from the original key. This multiple-round structure is crucial for enhancing the security of the encryption, as each round builds on the transformations of the previous one, making it increasingly difficult to reverse the process without knowing the key. The use of 16 rounds provides a balanced approach to security and performance, ensuring that the encryption is robust against various forms of cryptographic attacks. This multi-round process also allows for a more complex relationship between the plaintext, the ciphertext, and the key, which is essential for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the data being encrypted.