Simple Codes & Ciphers
Description
A lot of codes are simple in design. Just by changing the order of words, letters,
or the way you read them can turn a message into a secret code. Translating messages
into code is called encoding. Translating messages into ciphers is called enciphering. When you attempt to figure
out what a secret message is you are decoding or deciphering. To decode you need a code book.
Lumping Words (format)
Get rid of spaces and returns to lump words together. Use upper case letters to make
the code harder to read and decode.
IBETTHISISHARDFORMANYPEOPLE.
Answer: I BET THIS IS HARD FOR MANY PEOPLE.
Character Blocks
Block letters of a message by 2, 3, or more characters.
IL IK EI CE CR EA M.
After combining all of the letters above you get "ILIKEICECREAM." Looking for words
in the message you'll find "I LIKE ICE CREAM."
Backwards English
Writing words, sentences, or entire message backwards can be very confusing!
EES UOY TA EHT EROTS.
Reading EES backwards yields the answer SEE. The answer to this encrypted message
is "SEE YOU AT THE STORE."
Selected Characters
Choose a mathematical algorithm or pattern to create or decipher a secret message
from a plain message. This example uses a pattern to make a secret message: D
id e
veryone a
t the h
ouse ...etc. "DEATH" is the secret message with the words in this message.
Pin Marks
Next time you sit down and read the newspaper use a pin to make tiny holes under letters
as you read. By making a series of pin pricks in the paper, barely visible to the
eye, you can actually create a message for your friends to decipher.
