Encryption Keys

An encryption key is typically a random string of bits generated specifically to scramble and unscramble data. Encryption keys are created with algorithms designed to ensure that each key is unique and unpredictable. The longer the key constructed this way, the harder it is to break the encryption code. Both the IBM and T10 methods of encryption use 256-bit AES algorithm keys to encrypt data. 256-bit AES is the encryption standard that is recognized and recommended by the US government, which allows three different key lengths. 256-bit keys are the longest allowed by AES.