A programmable data encryption engine for performing the cipher function of the data encryption standard (DES) algorithm includes a Galois field linear transformer system (GFLT) responsive to a first input data block to execute an E permutation to obtain an expanded data block and combine it with a key to obtain a second larger intermediate data block in one cycle; and further includes a parallel look-up table system for implementing the unique data encryption standard selection function(s) and for condensing the second larger intermediate data block to a third data block similar to the first input data block in a second cycle and submitting it to the Galois field linear transformer system to execute a second permutation in a third cycle resulting in a data encryption standard cipher function of the first input data block.