{"id":4613,"date":"2021-11-23T12:16:55","date_gmt":"2021-11-23T11:16:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xopero.com\/blog\/?p=4613"},"modified":"2025-10-23T16:11:36","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T14:11:36","slug":"aes-encryption-101-why-you-should-use-encrypted-backup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/xopero.com\/blog\/en\/aes-encryption-101-why-you-should-use-encrypted-backup\/","title":{"rendered":"AES encryption 101 – why you should use encrypted backup"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For many, encryption is a golden standard in data protection and the best way to ensure a high level of security in professional backup solutions. Could encryption be used as a mitigation mechanism against data breach events too? Yes. AES encryption is truly one of the most effective tools in the security professional\u2019s arsenal. In this article, we will touch upon a variety of fundamental topics in data encryption. And if you prefer a more practical approach there is also an in-depth presentation of how Xopero ONE allows to encrypt [and protect] backed up data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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What is AES encryption?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

Nowadays, the Advanced Encryption Standard also known as AES has become one of the most popular block encryption algorithms. And there is a very good reason why it happened. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

AES includes three block ciphers: AES 128 which uses a 128-bit key length to encrypt and decrypt data blocks. AES 192 with a 192-bit key length. There is also AES 256 which uses a 256-bit key length. Each cipher encrypts and decrypts data in blocks of 128 bits using cryptographic keys of 128, 192 and 256 bits, respectively. How does encryption work? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s start by explaining the round term. A round is a function used in the rounds during the encryption and decryption process. Every round consists of several steps – substitution, transposition, and mixing of the input data, during which it is transformed into the final fully ciphered output. There are 10 rounds for 128-bit keys, 12 rounds for 192-bit keys, and 14 rounds for 256-bit keys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cracking the AES-generated cipher, even with one of the most powerful computers available on the planet, would take about 10^18 years. That\u2019s a lot! There is no surprise then, that since the development of the AES algorithm, it remains unbreakable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why should you encrypt your backup?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

You are probably aware that your company\u2019s data is crucial for your business’s success, and having proper protection in place is very important. There are many factors you need to take into consideration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Imagine that somehow, your storage device, where you keep all the data, gets stolen. If you keep your data there encrypted, especially with the 258 AES CBC encryption that Xopero provides, you can rest assured that no one will be able to access your data and steal any of your company secrets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This also applies to possible data theft. How exactly? By stopping a security breach from escalating into a data breach. Even if bad actors gain access to your company\u2019s infrastructure, data encrypted with AES 265 will be simply unusable to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Data encryption in Xopero ONE<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

Xopero ONE provides three levels of encryption:<\/p>\n\n\n\n