AES-256

AES-256 (Advanced Encryption ✕ Encryption turns readable data into unreadable code using a key. Only someone with the right key can read it again — the basis of secure communication and storage. More in the glossary → Standard with a 256-bit key) is one of the strongest and most widely used encryption algorithms. Governments, banks, and security providers use it because, with today's technology, a 256-bit key is practically impossible to crack by brute force. When a VPN ✕ A VPN routes your internet traffic through an encrypted external server. This hides your real IP address and stops third parties — like your provider or public Wi-Fi — from seeing what you do. More in the glossary → , password manager, or cloud ✕ "The cloud" refers to services and storage that run not on your device but on external servers on the internet. You can access them from anywhere. More in the glossary → storage advertises "AES-256," it means your data is encrypted to this standard. It's effectively the seal of quality for strong encryption. More in the best VPN comparison.