Cryptanalysing

“Since humans began writing, they have also been communicating in code”(Singh, The Code Book, 1999).

The art of code writing is the basis of deception. Not only by writing, a code can be classified as deception just through a simple thought. A code or encryption is just what obstructs the message or idea that needs to be understood. Encryption is best when written, because much variation can achieved with writing. Suppose an encrypted letter needs to be interpreted, without access to a key, and is virtually impossible of being intercepted by the enemy.

The understanding of this letter will protect the country’s government from being overthrown. Of course, there are many ways to tackle this mighty feat, but some may be onerous, and less logical. One of the best ways to decrypt any code would be the method known as cryptanalysis. Cryptanalysis is the process by which the frequencies of letters in any alphabet are recorded in a chart and later matched with frequencies of letters in an encrypted message, to make some sense. Most skilled encryptors try to make the message so that certain letters do not agree with frequencies of the original alphabet. However, often encryptors cannot even evade decipherers with such techniques.

Even though this seems to be a very reliable technique to decrypt virtually all possible encryptions, but people are known to think outside the box. Certain people have written entire novels without the use of the frequently-appearing letters, such as “e” and “a”. Consequently, the art of codes lies in the orientation of language and essentially human interaction. Codes are all about solving simple to complex conundrums. Much of decryption is the logical thinking of a person to get to the solution through the shortest route.