(AES) The Advanced Encryption Standard specifies a U.S. government approved cryptographic algorithm that can be used to protect electronic data. The AES algorithm is a symmetric block cipher that can encrypt (encipher) and decrypt (decipher) information. This standard specifies the Rijndael algorithm, a symmetric block cipher that can process data blocks of 128 bits, using cipher keys with lengths of 128, 192, and 256 bits. (FIPS; CNSSI-4009) (NICCS)
Understand more election terms clearly
Get one important election term explained each week, with authoritative sources, practical context and related definitions.
(AES) The Advanced Encryption Standard specifies a U.S. government approved cryptographic algorithm that can be used to protect electronic data. The AES algorithm is a symmetric block cipher that can encrypt (encipher) and decrypt (decipher) information. This standard specifies the Rijndael algorithm, a symmetric block cipher that can process data blocks of 128 bits, using cipher keys with lengths of 128, 192, and 256 bits. (FIPS; CNSSI-4009) (NICCS)
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Advanced Encryption Standard. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 13, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/advanced-encryption-standard
Sources
01
Single-source
Get the weekly election term
Receive one cited, source-backed election explanation in your inbox each week.