COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS

Detailed explanation-1: -In cryptography, the number of bits in a key used by a cryptographic algorithm is referred to as a key size or key length. The key size determines the maximum number of combinations required to break the encryption algorithm, therefore typically a longer key means stronger cryptographic security.

Detailed explanation-2: -Ciphers that use longer keys, measured in bits, are more effective against brute-force attacks. The longer the key length, the more brute-force attempts are necessary to expose the plaintext.

Detailed explanation-3: -DES uses a 64-bit key, but because eight of those bits are used for parity checks, the effective key length is only 56 bits. The encryption algorithm generates 16 different 48-bit subkeys, one for each of the 16 encryption rounds.

Detailed explanation-4: -Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) keys are symmetric keys that can be three different key lengths (128, 192, or 256 bits). AES is the encryption standard that is recognized and recommended by the US government. The 256-bit keys are the longest allowed by AES.

Detailed explanation-5: -Asymmetric encryption, also known as public-key encryption, uses two keys, a public key for encryption and a corresponding private key for decryption. The public key and private key are mathematically related so that when the public key is used for encryption, the corresponding private key must be used for decryption.