While 3DES fixed the security issues of its predecessor, it introduced a new problem: performance. Because it runs the DES algorithm three times, it is significantly slower than more modern ciphers. Furthermore, its 64-bit block size eventually became a liability against certain types of cryptanalysis (such as "Sweet32" attacks).
Developed in the early 1970s by IBM and adopted as a federal standard in 1977, DES was the first widely used encryption algorithm. It is a symmetric-key block cipher that operates on 64-bit blocks of data using a 56-bit key. Its structure is based on a Feistel network, which involves 16 rounds of substitution and permutation. At the time, DES was a breakthrough, offering a standardized way for government agencies and financial institutions to secure digital communications. DES and 3DES – AZMATH
This approach effectively increases the key length to 168 bits (or 112 bits in some implementations), significantly raising the barrier for brute-force attacks. 3DES provided a much-needed security boost and allowed legacy systems to remain relevant for a longer period. While 3DES fixed the security issues of its