Microsoft has announced the removal of DES (Data Encryption Standard) encryption from Windows, set to occur in September 2025. This decision comes after DES has been deemed insecure for over two decades, with vulnerabilities that allow modern cryptographic attacks to easily exploit it.
The decision to phase out DES follows historical evidence, notably demonstrated by IT security researchers in 1998 when they were able to crack DES keys in less than three days using a specialized "supercomputer" built with around 2,000 ASICs, at a cost of about $250,000. The U.S. government at the time dismissed concerns regarding the short key length (56 bits) used by DES, suggesting that a much larger effort would be needed to break it, a claim that was ultimately disproven.
Microsoft’s recent update regarding the removal of DES indicates that it will be replaced by more robust encryption algorithms. DES has been disabled by default since Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, but its complete removal is a necessary step as Windows 11 and Server 2025 migrate toward enhanced security protocols.
Moreover, the transition to eliminate DES aligns with Microsoft’s schedule for updating its software features, reaffirming the company’s commitment to improving security standards. The official documentation states that support for DES will end completely by September 2025, marking a significant step in the evolution of Windows security measures.
For further details, you can refer to Microsoft’s official announcement about the removed features on their website.
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