The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a critical component of modern cybersecurity, serving as the foundation for securing sensitive data in both public and private sectors. Adopted as a federal standard by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2001, AES replaced the aging Data Encryption Standard (DES), which had become vulnerable to brute-force attacks. AES offers a significant improvement in security and performance, making it suitable for a wide range of applications—from protecting classified government information to securing online transactions and personal data.
One of the primary reasons for AES’s importance lies in its robust design and efficiency. AES supports key sizes of 128, 192, and 256 bits, offering strong protection against brute-force attacks. Its symmetric key algorithm allows for fast encryption and decryption processes, making it ideal for devices with limited processing power, such as smartphones and IoT devices. Additionally, AES has been extensively analyzed and tested by cryptographers worldwide, earning a reputation for being both secure and reliable. Its efficiency and resilience have made it a standard in protocols like HTTPS, VPNs, and secure messaging platforms.
Beyond technical strength, AES plays a strategic role in global digital trust. As data privacy regulations become more stringent and cyber threats more sophisticated, AES ensures compliance with legal standards and helps prevent data breaches that can lead to financial loss and reputational damage. It also facilitates secure communication between governments, businesses, and individuals across borders. The widespread adoption of AES underscores its role as a cornerstone of data protection in our increasingly digital and interconnected world.
Agenda:
14.00
Welcome
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14.10
Laurie-Anne Bourdain
Encryption vs. Inspection: Balancing Privacy with Security
Abstract
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14.55
Güneş Acar
Local Mess: How Billions of Android Users Were Tracked Through Localhost Communications
Abstract
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15.40
Break
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16.00
Stefan Mangard
Side-Channel Attacks and AES
Abstract
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16.45
Joan Daemen & Vincent Rijmen
25 Years of AES: Reflections by Rijndael's Inventors
Abstract
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17.30
Closing Remarks
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18.00
Unveiling of the Milestone
Location: (https://www.kuleuven.be/heritage/buildings-and-monuments/arenberg-castle), Kasteelpark Arenberg 1, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
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Room: Auditorium, Bldg: Arenberg Kasteel, Kasteelpark Arenberg 1, Heverlee Leuven, Vlaams Brabant, Belgium, 3001
