Let’s Talk About AES Text Encryption – What is It, What’s the Difference Between AES-128 and AES-256 Bit?

Updated on July 13, 2021: From now on, traffic filtering, malware protection, and suspicious DNS activity blocking are available as a part of the separate DNS Firewall app.

Lately, VPN Unlimited users across the world have raised a question, what text encryption algorithm best secures personal data and protects it from cybercriminals: AES 128 or AES 256? And what is the difference between the two text encryptors? We conducted an investigation, and today we will try to shed light on this issue and answer the above questions.

What is AES-128 and AES-256 bit encryption?

Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is the algorithm for encryption of electronic data, established by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology. High speed and low random access memory (RAM) requirements were the key criteria for the AES algorithm. Thus, AES encryption is highly efficient on a wide variety of hardware, from smartphones and tablets, to high-performance computers.

AES is a new generation cipher that supports key lengths a minimum of 128 and a maximum of 256 bits, each with a fixed block size of 128 bits. This encryption algorithm is secure enough for all modern needs.

AES 128 bits vs AES 256 bits

Both 128-bit and 256-bit encryptions are of the military level. Both are considered to be invulnerable to the attacks. The number of cycles of repetition for these encryption methods are 10 and 14 accordingly. This makes it just barely possible for hackers to crack the code. This feature prompted the U.S. Government to consider it as a sufficient system to protect classified information!

The differences between AES 128 and AES 256 encryptions are technical. 128-bit algorithm is complex and strong enough to make a cyber attack ineffective in getting access to your valuable personal information. According to the experts’ prediction, AES 128 will be secure and uncrackable for at least the next hundred years or so. It is evident that AES 256 is even stronger. If you want orders of magnitude more bits of key length for your own peace of mind, get AES 256 encryption.

VPN Unlimited uses AES 256 bit encryption

As we’ve stated in previous blog posts, we are fighting for a safe access to the open Internet. Our team studiously reevaluates possible threats to provide you high quality service and strong protection. That is why we’ve concentrated on extremely secure AES 256-bit encryption for VPN Unlimited. We use this algorithm to ensure the best security and performance for every user.

Taking all the foregoing into account, you may rest assured that your data is under strong protection, and there is no single cybercriminal who can sneak up to it. VPN Unlimited doesn’t take chances with your online privacy and security.