NOTICE: Due to a lapse in annual appropriations, most of this website is not being updated. Learn more.

Form submissions will still be accepted but will not receive responses at this time. Sections of this site for programs using non-appropriated funds (such as NVLAP) or those that are excepted from the shutdown (such as CHIPS and NVD) will continue to be updated.

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

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.

PUBLICATIONS

Recommendation for Block Cipher Modes of Operation: Methods for Format-Preserving Encryption

Published

Author(s)

Morris J. Dworkin

Abstract

This Recommendation specifies two methods, called FF1 and FF3, for format-preserving encryption. Both of these methods are modes of operation for an underlying, approved symmetric-key block cipher algorithm.
Citation
Special Publication (NIST SP) - 800-38G
Report Number
800-38G
NIST Pub Series
Special Publication (NIST SP)
Pub Type
NIST Pubs

Download Paper

DOI Link

Keywords

Block cipher, confidentiality, encryption, FF1, FF3, format-preserving encryption, information security, mode of operation
Information technology and Cybersecurity and privacy

Citation

Dworkin, M. (2016), Recommendation for Block Cipher Modes of Operation: Methods for Format-Preserving Encryption, Special Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.800-38G (Accessed November 3, 2025)

Issues

If you have any questions about this publication or are having problems accessing it, please contact [email protected].

Created March 29, 2016, Updated November 10, 2018
Was this page helpful?