Cryptology

The secret language

WHAT IS A CODE?A code is a system of symbols, letters, words, or signals that are used instead of ordinary words and numbers to send messages or store information. A code is used to keep the message short or to keep it secret.

ENCRYPTION or ENCIPHERING

Codes and ciphers are forms of secret communication. This process is called encryption or enciphering. The science that studies such secret communication is called cryptology.

WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT CRYPTOLOGY?

1) We are terribly curious, the urge to discover secrets is typical of human nature. We fall in love with mysteries and we want to know the solution.

2)We use cryptology everyday: think about email, films, books...

3)It is an interdiscipline topic: it is used in English, in Science, in Maths...

In the ancient times messages were carryed by foot for miles and miles.

Kings, queens and generals had to encrypt their communications to keep them secret in

case they were stolen, revealing precious secrets to their enemies.

It was the threat of enemy interception that motivated the development of codes and

ciphers: techniques for disguising a message so that only the intended recipient can read

it.

HOW THE CRYPTOLOGY WAS BORN…

… It was also used during the Second World War

And now it’s your turn…

… are you ready to become spies for a day?

The CIA's agents need your help to break this code and to find out the message!

The CIA's agents are looking for a sharp criminal who has stolen an important document with top secret information about how to build a time machine.

This is a catastrophe! Fortunately the criminal has left a code which may contain a useful clue to find him.Can you help them and break the code?

First of all you have to write your spies' names: every spy has a personal nickname which keeps one's identity secret...

Use this code to encrypt you name:

A=0 B=1 C=2 D=3 E=4 F=5 G=6 H=7 I=8 J=9 K=10 L=11 M=12 N=13 O=14 P=15 Q=16 R=17 S=18 T=19 U=20 V=21 W=22 X=23 Y=24 Z=25

For example: BILL = Agent 181111

Now you are officially spies!

This is the code you're going to break:

M AMPP FYMPH QC XMQI QEGLMRI MR HYFPMR

How to break it: (here you have some tips)

1) I is M2) The 13th alphabetic letter is

Q3) The initial of AIRPLANE is E4) The last letter of MAN is R 5) The initial of the England's

capital city is P6) The initial of the Ireland's

capital city is H

Good job!The police has found the criminal and the document is save!The CIA is really proud of you and want to give you a special prize!

See you at the next adventure