Step 1: Select Test Case

• Choose a test case from the dropdown menu at the top of the simulation
• Review the test case details that appear, including plaintext, key, IV (if applicable), mode, and key size
• Each test case represents a different AES encryption scenario with varying parameters

Step 2: Key Size and Mode Configuration (Part I)

• Enter the Key Size (bits) for the selected test case (e.g., 128, 192, or 256)
• Enter the Mode of operation (e.g., CBC, ECB, CFB, OFB, CTR)
• Click "Check your answer" to validate your entries
• Understanding: Key size determines the strength of encryption, while mode affects how blocks are processed

Step 3: Encryption Parameters (Part II)

• Enter the Key (hex) - the secret key used for encryption/decryption
• Enter the IV (hex) for modes that require initialization vectors (CBC, CFB, OFB, CTR)
• Enter the CTR (hex) for Counter mode if applicable
• Click "Check your answer" for each parameter to validate
• Note: Some modes like ECB don't require IV/CTR values

Step 4: Plaintext Input (Part III)

• Enter the Plaintext message that will be encrypted
• This is the original readable message before encryption
• Click "Check your answer" to validate the plaintext entry
• Understanding: This represents the sensitive data that needs to be protected

Step 5: Hexadecimal Conversion (Part IV)

• Enter the Plaintext (hex, padded) - the plaintext converted to hexadecimal format
• Include proper padding to ensure the data fits into complete AES blocks (16 bytes)
• Click "Check your answer" to validate the hex conversion
• Understanding: AES operates on fixed-size blocks, requiring proper padding

Step 6: Final Encryption Result (Part V)

• Enter the Ciphertext (hex) - the final encrypted output in hexadecimal format
• This represents the encrypted data that can be safely transmitted or stored
• Use either "Check Answer" or "Check your answer" button to validate
• Understanding: This is the protected form of your original message