What is the block size utilized by AES?

The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) operates with a fixed block size of 128 bits. This means that the plaintext data being encrypted is divided into blocks of 128 bits for processing. The choice of 128 bits for block size is significant because it provides a good trade-off between security and performance. It allows for efficient encryption and decryption processes while maintaining a high level of security, as larger block sizes can stratify the available key space and potentially expose vulnerabilities.

The versatility of AES also comes from its support for varying key lengths—128, 192, and 256 bits—but regardless of the key length, the data is always processed in 128-bit blocks. This design decision enhances the strength of the encryption without sacrificing speed, making AES a widely adopted encryption standard across different applications and industries.