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Cryptography

Overview

Cryptography is the practice of securing communication and information through the use of codes to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and authentication. It involves techniques for converting plaintext (readable data) into ciphertext (unreadable data) using cryptographic algorithms, making it hard for unauthorized parties to decode the information. Learn more in this honor about the different ways to encode messages and decipher someone else’s message.

Requirements

1. Define cryptography and list its major applications.

2. Define the following terms:

  • a. Code
  • b. Cipher
  • c. Steganography
  • d. Plain text
  • e. Key
  • f. Public-key cryptography
  • g. One-way function

3. Define each of the following categories of ciphers, give an example of each, and encipher your name using each technique.

  • a. Transposition
  • b. Polybius Square
  • c. Square
  • d. Substitution
  • e. Polyalphabetic

4. Investigate whether each item in the list below is a code, a cipher, steganography, or a plain text message.

  • a. Processing done by a computer to determine if a user enters a correct password
  • b. A Bible verse reference
  • c. The colors used on a traffic light to mean “Stop,” “Go,” or “Caution”
  • d. HTTPS:// used in a URL over the Internet
  • e. Forming a message by entering it into a grid row-by-row and reading it out column-by-column
  • f. Invisible ink
  • g. Navajo language used by the Code Talkers in World War II
  • h. Data representation via a grid of dots (QR codes) or lines (Bar codes)
  • i. Enigma machine used in World War II
  • j. Recording your computer password on a piece of paper
  • k. Signal used by Jonathan and David recounted in 1 Samuel 20:18-23

5. Classical cryptology is the study of codes and ciphers used in the past. Discover how the following cryptographic forms were encoded in antiquity, and try to duplicate their processes to record a message:

  • a. Egyptian hieroglyphs, 1900 BC
  • b. Hebrew Atbash cipher, 500 BC
  • c. Julius Caesar’s substitution cipher, 100 BC

6. Prepare a message containing the Pathfinder Law enciphered in a Caesar cipher and indicate the key used.

7. Use steganography to write the Pathfinder Pledge.

8. Choose a cipher to encrypt a favorite Bible text and let another person decrypt it. Be sure to give that person the type of cipher and the key used.

9. Decrypt a message made by another person using the key and cipher type they used.

Answer key & resources

In other territories

The equivalent honor approved by other authorities, with its own requirements:

See also

Adapted from AY Honors/Cryptography on the Pathfinder Wiki, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. See the original page's history for its authors.
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