Symmetric encryption is a type of encryption where only one key (a secret key) is used to both encrypt and decrypt electronic data. Encryption is crucial for protecting PII and mitigating the risks that businesses face every minute of every day. The most commonly used symmetric encryption algorithm is the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) This is the standard set by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology in 2001 for the encryption of electronic data announced in FIPS PUB 197.”]