How many rounds are used in Blowfish encryption?

Blowfish encryption utilizes 16 rounds as part of its encryption process. Each round processes the input data through a series of substitutions and permutations, effectively increasing the complexity and security of the encryption. The 16 rounds contribute significantly to Blowfish's ability to resist various forms of cryptanalysis, making it a strong choice for encrypting data.

The design is optimized for speed and security, striking a balance that has allowed Blowfish to remain a viable encryption option since its introduction in 1993. By employing this specific number of rounds, Blowfish ensures that the key schedule and the data undergo sufficient transformations, which helps in thwarting attacks that could exploit less robust encryption schemes.