256-bit encryption is a data/file encryption technique that uses a 256-bit key to encrypt and decrypt data or files. It is one of the most secure encryption methods and is used in most modern encryption algorithms, protocols and technologies including AES and SSL.
Typically, 256-bit encryption is used for data in transit. However, it is also implemented for sensitive and important data such as financial, military or government data. The US government requires that all important data be encrypted using 256-bit encryption methods.
256-bit encryption refers to the length of the encryption key used to encrypt a data stream or file. A hacker or cracker will require 2256 different combinations to break a 256-bit encrypted message, which is virtually impossible to be broken by even the fastest computers. Essentially, there is a 1 in over 115 quattuorvigintillion (that’s a 78 digit number) chance of finding a collision.
For any budding mathematicians out there, 115 quattuorvigintillion equals:115, 792, 089, 237, 316, 195, 423, 570, 985, 008, 687, 907, 853, 269, 984, 665, 640, 564, 039, 457, 584, 007, 913, 129, 639, 936
That’s a big number and explains why this level encryption is virtually impossible to break!