This is the part of "Tales of the Encrypted" where you can explore encryption by doing it. You can work at your own pace, try what you like, and encrypt what you like.

If you do not live in the United States, you might want to check on local encryption laws before using any of these. You should be fine, as none of these breaks US Export Regulations, and none of them is considered secure by today’s standards. However, it is always a good idea to be safe.

That brings up another point. These applets are provided for entertainment only. If you encrypt something with them, you should assume that it is not safe. All the algorithms demonstrated were used historically, and understanding them should help you understand modern ones. They have been proven insecure, and we recommend strongly against using them for any sensitive data. If you need strong encryption, look into a product such as Pretty Good Privacy (PGP).

First, we have created several cryptographic puzzles for you to solve. If you manage to figure one out, you get your name in our Hall of Fame. Good luck!

Second, there are applets scattered throughout "Tales". These links take you to pages that have these interactive devices on them.

1. You can try out a German ENIGMA machine, used during World War II by Hitler and his army.
2. Naturally, the allies broke ENIGMA. You can try a simulation of Enigma cracking here.
3. SIGABA, a cipher created by the Allies in World War II, was the only method of machine encryption not broken by anybody during the course of the war.
4. Thomas Jefferson, in the late 1700s, created a cipher based on moving discs. It is knows as the wheel cipher. Over a hundred years later, the US Army used the device for its encryption needs. You can try it out here, and even read a secret message from us.
5. Want to know how fast your computer can crack a code? Look no further. This applet will test your computer, and give a rough estimate. It also tells you your percentile score against other site visitors.
6. Julius Caesar, master of the Roman Army, had his own cipher. It was a modified version of the Substitution Cipher. Learn more and try it out here.