What is the benefit of AES over 3DES?

AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is designed to be more efficient and faster in encrypting and decrypting data compared to 3DES (Triple Data Encryption Standard). The architecture of AES allows it to process blocks of data quickly, utilizing fewer resources and providing faster performance on modern hardware. In contrast, 3DES, while still secure, tends to be slower due to its method of applying the DES cipher algorithm three times to each data block, resulting in a more cumbersome and resource-intensive process.

In addition to speed, AES also supports larger key sizes than 3DES, offering enhanced security options. However, the primary advantage highlighted in this question is the speed and efficiency at which AES can encrypt data, making it a preferred choice for many applications requiring quick data protection. This efficiency contributes to its widespread adoption across various industries, not just the military, and further emphasizes its role as a modern standard for encryption.