Question

In 1998, the EFF decrypted a DES-encrypted message in only 56 hours. What was the result of this decryption?

1) The discovery of a vulnerability in the DES encryption algorithm
2) The development of a more secure encryption algorithm
3) The creation of a new encryption standard
4) The advancement of cryptography research

Answer 1

The EFF's decryption of a DES message in 56 hours highlighted DES's inadequate security, leading to the development of stronger encryption standards and advancements in cryptography research, paralleling historical computing breakthroughs such as those by Alan Turing.

Step-by-step explanation:

In 1998, when the EFF decrypted a DES-encrypted message in 56 hours, the result was a clear demonstration that the Data Encryption Standard (DES) was no longer secure enough to be considered a robust encryption algorithm. This event did not directly lead to the discovery of a vulnerability in the DES encryption algorithm itself, which had been known to be vulnerable to brute force attacks since more powerful computers made such attacks feasible.

However, this decryption challenge did emphasize the need for more secure encryption standards, leading to the eventual development and adoption of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). This transition was significant in the progression of cryptography research and for the security of electronic communications and data storage worldwide. These events reflect earlier patterns in computing history, such as the breakthroughs in computerization and artificial intelligence that followed Alan Turing's work during World War II and the Cold War era.

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