Question 1

What is Triple DES (3DES)?

Accepted Answer

Triple DES applies the DES cipher three times to each data block using two or three unique keys. It was designed to extend the life of DES after 56-bit DES became vulnerable to brute-force attacks in the late 1990s.

Question 2

Is Triple DES still secure?

Accepted Answer

Triple DES is deprecated by NIST as of 2023 and should not be used in new systems. Use AES-256 instead. This tool is provided for compatibility with legacy systems that still require 3DES.

Question 3

What is the difference between CBC and ECB mode?

Accepted Answer

ECB (Electronic Code Book) encrypts each block independently — identical plaintext blocks produce identical ciphertext, which can leak patterns. CBC (Cipher Block Chaining) XORs each block with the previous ciphertext, requiring an IV and producing randomised output. Always prefer CBC over ECB.

Triple DES (3DES) Cipher

Encrypt and decrypt with Triple DES — CBC & ECB modes, browser-only

About Triple DES

What is Triple DES?

Is 3DES still secure?

CBC vs ECB mode