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TIBCO® Managed File Transfer Platform Server for z/OS 8.1.0

# Data Encryption Algorithms

TIBCO MFT Platform Server for z/OS supports three data encryption algorithms: Data Encryption Standard (DES), Blowfish, and AES.

## DES Encryption

DES is a block encryption algorithm working in chunks of 8 bytes. The DES key length is fixed at 56 bits. An offshoot of the DES encryption algorithm is Triple DES (3DES), which effectively provides 112-bit encryption by a combination of encryption and decryption functions.

The advantage and disadvantages of DES are as follows:

- Advantage of DES
  - This algorithm is an established standard that has withstood the test of time.
- Disadvantages of DES
  - This algorithm is CPU intensive; therefore, it might slow down file transfers if CPUs are busy or slow. 3DES uses almost three times the CPU cycles that DES uses.
  - The 56-bit key length of the DES encryption algorithm is considered insufficient based on the current computer ability.

## Blowfish Encryption

Blowfish is a block encryption algorithm that can use keys from 32 to 448 bits long. The Platform Server uses a 56-bit key if `ENCRYPT=BLOWFISH` or `ENCRYPT=BF` is specified, and uses a 448-bit key if `ENCRYPT=BLOWFISH_LONG` or `ENCRYPT=BFL` is specified.

The advantages and disadvantage of Blowfish are as follows:

- Advantages of Blowfish
  - This algorithm is about six times faster than DES and about fifteen times faster than 3DES.
  - The key length can range from 32 bits to 448 bits.
- Disadvantage of Blowfish
  - This algorithm has not been tested by as many attacks as DES.

## AES Encryption

AES is a symmetric block encryption algorithm that uses a key length of 256 bits.

The advantages and disadvantage of Rijndael are as follows:

- Advantages of AES
  - This algorithm is selected as the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) by the US government.
  - This algorithm supports 256-bit key length.
  - This algorithm is more efficient than DES or 3DES.
- Disadvantage of AES
  - This algorithm is slightly less efficient than Blowfish or Blowfish Long.

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