How does Triple DES work?

Triple DES (3DES) enhances the security of the original DES encryption by applying the DES algorithm three times to each data block. It typically involves three key operations: encrypting the data with the first key, decrypting it with a second key, and encrypting it again with a third key. This process effectively increases the key length and complexity, making it more resistant to brute-force attacks. Although 3DES improves security over DES, it is now considered less secure than newer algorithms like AES and is being phased out in favor of stronger encryption standards.