Quote Originally Posted by Royaltramp View Post
Not going to have a crack at this just yet because my code breaking skills suck. I can do caesar ciphers and that's really about the extent of it. Any suggestions on where I could start to learn more about code-breaking etc? I've always found it such a fascinating subject, and it's so fun to do.
Hello Royaltramp!

There are two things I recommend doing:

1) Read. Buy The Code Book by Simon Singh, it's the best book you can find on the subject. It gives an overview of the different cryptography techniques over the years, and, most importantly, their flaws and how to exploit them to find the message You think the Vigenère cipher is unbreakable? Read the book. The most interesting part of it in my opinion is how to decode the Vi. It also introduces the topic of modern cryptography methods (computer and internet encryption and stuff), as well as an 'unbreakable code' with quantum computers. It's an amazing book, and is the only thing you need to become a pro at cryptanalysis.

2) Practice. Look up the Alan Turing Cryptography Competition, if you're are within the age limits then compete, otherwise try and break the codes for fun with a team (I registered my friends who didn't do a thing, I was alone basically). It's a yearly thing, with 6 codes, one every week or two weeks, revolving around a cool story. There are leaderboards for the schools etc. The first code is really basic and can be decoded in 5-10 minutes. The next ones may take hours if you're good. The last ones are really tricky, most people can't do them even after days/weeks. The cryptography techniques aren't always that complicated (although I still recommend reading The Code Book, some of its ciphers are universal in a way) but they use really interesting and original ways of encryption and when you do find the answer, trust me, you'll feel even better than having had a lucid dream. I competed while I lived in England, and had only read The Code Book. I was the 2nd to figure out the fourth code (took me 3 hours of trying random stuff haha), and just before the 6th code went out, I was in the 5th position overall. But I couldn't figure out the sixth and that made me drop a lot (to 53rd lol)... I competed in the 2014 edition, if you wanna try it out! (my team name was Cryptonimous hehe)

If you have any questions, please, do not hesitate to contact me! I'll be glad to help

I might post some codes in this thread someday