Cracking the Code
The science of writing and solving secret messages.
Cryptography
The process of turning a message into a secret code.
Encryption
The original words or text that someone wants to send.
Message
A secret word or code used to access a device or information.
Password
Something that is meant to be hidden or kept unknown.
Secret
A system or method for creating secret codes.
Cipher
The special rule or piece of information used to lock (encrypt) or unlock (decrypt) a message.
Key
To turn a secret message back into its original form.
Decode
A language made of 1s and 0s that computers use.
Binary
A sign or picture that stands for something else.
Symbol
A way to change words or messages to keep them secret.
Code
A simple cipher where each letter is shifted a certain number of spaces in the alphabet.
Caesar Cipher
Another word for decode—used when talking about encrypted messages.
Decrypt
The smallest piece of data in binary (either a 1 or a 0).
Bit
A way of guessing every possible password until one works.
Brute Force
A step-by-step set of rules used to solve a problem or encrypt a message.
Algorithm
A cipher where each letter or symbol is replaced by a different one.
Subtitution Cipher
A hint or piece of information that helps solve the mystery.
Clue
A group of 8 bits that usually makes one letter or symbol.
Byte
A sneaky tool that records what you type, often used by hackers to steal passwords.
Keylogger
A word or phrase formed by rearranging the letters of another word or phrase.
Anagram
A cipher where letters are mixed up or switched around instead of replaced.
Transposition Cipher
Something that repeats or follows a rule—can help you crack a code!
Pattern
A special code made from a message—used to check if data has been changed.
Hash
A person who collects secret information without being noticed.
Spy