How secure is 168-bit encryption?
A 168-bit key size has 2168 possible combinations. HeSA support 128-bit (and above) key length. In general the following is true: • 40 bit key algorithms are easily breakable and can potentially be decoded in microseconds. • 56 bit key algorithms are vulnerable and can potentially be decoded in seconds. • 64 bit algorithms are safe but still breakable and can potentially be decoded in minutes. • 80 bit algorithms are safe but still threatened by todays technology and can potentially be decoded, although it would take state of the art equipment and centuries to do so. • 128/168 bit algorithms (and over) are virtually unbreakable and cannot currently be decoded within millenia. Key strengths greater than 168 bit are available. However, the underlining infrastructure (email client(s), browser(s), token(s) etc) to support key strengths greater than 168 bit are not yet readily available. Therefore 168-bit is the longest and most secure key length supported by most browsers and email clients
