1. A programmable data encryption engine for performing the cipher function of the data encryption standard (DES) algorithm comprising: a Galois field linear transformer (GFLT) system responsive to a first input data block to execute an expansion 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 a parallel look-up table system for implementing the unique data encryption standard (DES) selection function and for condensing said second larger intermediate data block to a third data block similar to said first input data block in a second cycle and submitting it to said 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.