Which one of the following encryption algorithms is the preferred symmetrical algorithm that is intended to replace 3DES?

DES is the predecessor to 3DES and is considered cryptographically broken due to its 56-bit key length, making it unsuitable as a replacement.

SHA-256 is a cryptographic hash function used for integrity verification, not a symmetric encryption algorithm.

DSA (Digital Signature Algorithm) is an asymmetric algorithm used for digital signatures, not symmetric encryption.

AES is a symmetric block cipher standardized by NIST in FIPS 197 specifically to replace 3DES, offering 128, 192, or 256-bit key lengths with significantly better performance and security. It uses a substitution-permutation network and is the current government and industry standard for symmetric encryption. 3DES was deprecated by NIST in 2023, with AES as its direct successor.

MD5 is a hashing algorithm used for integrity checks, not a symmetric encryption algorithm, and is itself considered cryptographically weak.

RSA is an asymmetric (public-key) encryption algorithm, not a symmetric algorithm like 3DES or AES.