Cryptographic standards are established guidelines and protocols that ensure secure communication and data protection. These standards define how encryption algorithms, key management, and authentication methods should be implemented to safeguard sensitive information. Organizations often rely on these standards to maintain confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity in their digital transactions. Common examples of cryptographic standards include the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and the Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA) family. These standards are developed by organizations like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to provide a framework for secure practices in various applications, from online banking to secure messaging.