Dworkin, M.
(2001),
Recommendation for Block Cipher Modes of Operation Methods and Techniques, Special Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=51031
(Accessed October 8, 2025)
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Recommendation for Block Cipher Modes of Operation Methods and Techniques
Published
Author(s)
Abstract
This recommendation defines five confidentiality modes of operation for use with an underlying symmetric key block cipher algorithm: Electronic Codebook (ECB), Cipher Block Chaining (CBC), Cipher Feedback (CFB), Output Feedback (OFB), and Counter (CTR). Used with an underlying block cipher algorithm that is approved in a Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS), these modes can provide cryptographic protection for sensitive, but unclassified, computer data.Citation
Special Publication (NIST SP) - 800-38A
Report Number
800-38A
NIST Pub Series
Pub Type
NIST Pubs
Download Paper
Keywords
block cipher, cryptography, encryption, mode of operation
Citation
Issues
If you have any questions about this publication or are having problems accessing it, please contact [email protected].
Created December 1, 2001, Updated February 19, 2017