Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a symmetric encryption algorithm established by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2001. Its significance lies in replacing the older Data Encryption Standard (DES). AES is designed to handle 128-bit data blocks as a block cipher, although its key can be 128, 192, or 256 bits long. It’s widely recognized for its robustness against attacks and is employed globally by governments and industries for secure data encryption. In cybersecurity, AES is fundamental, ensuring data confidentiality during storage and transmission. Employing Rijndael’s algorithm, AES’s iterative approach involves several rounds of encryption, providing an extra layer of data security. This intricate methodology ensures a gold standard defense against potential intruders, making AES a cornerstone in modern cryptographic practices and data protection protocols.