AES+: A Modified AES Encryption with Enhanced Key Management and Distribution

Cryptography serves as the cornerstone of data security, playing a vital role in safeguarding information during transmission and storage. This science employs various encryption techniques to render data unintelligible unless decrypted back to its original form. The efficacy of data security hinges on the encryption technique employed, with the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) being one of the most reliable techniques. AES, a symmetric block cypher, uses keys that are 128 bits, 192 bits, or 256 bits in length. However, when the provided key differs in length from the required key, the process of either padding or trimming is applied, inevitably leading to the loss of key-related data. This research paper seeks to address this challenge by exploring methods to preserve the integrity of the encryption key while enhancing the strength and reliability of AES encryption. By using a cyclic key-building transformation, this study aims to fortify data security protocols by enhancing heavy encryption and contributing to the advancement of cryptographic practices.