What is the key length of the AES-128 encryption standard?

The AES-128 encryption standard uses a key length of 128 bits. This length is a crucial part of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), which was established to replace the older DES (Data Encryption Standard) due to concerns over its security. The specified key lengths for AES include 128, 192, and 256 bits, with 128 bits being the minimum required key length for AES encryption.

AES-128 provides a strong level of security, making it sufficient for most applications, while also allowing for efficient processing speeds. This key length ensures that the cipher is resistant to brute-force attacks, as the sheer number of possible key combinations makes it impractical for unauthorized entities to decrypt the information without the correct key. The choice of this key length reflects a balance between security and computational efficiency, which is critical in many systems where AES-128 is implemented.