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Call for questions: SECRET CODES (Patreon)

Published:
2025-01-27 20:44:52
Imported:
2026-06

Content

My first interview for 2025 is with an expert on cryptology, the study of secret codes. We'll talk making 'em, breaking 'em, their history, influence, and evolution from ancient texts to computer encryption -- what questions do you have on secret codes?

 

Comments

Kiki’s Delivery Service

Has the ologist cracked the code to life yet? And is it much simpler than we probably think?

Nikki Chasey

AHHH where would a beginner even go to start doing this for fun and maybe even monetize it?

Emma Henson

Do secret codes include dog whistles? I would love an exploration of those

Cindy Stump

When I use a credit card on my iPhone to pay it is supposed to be more secure. How do they do that?

John Buchner

What do we know about the Voynich manuscript? Is it a code? Is it a hoax? Scribblings of one random author with no sense or reason intended?

Emma Henson

Do secret codes include the hanky code from Queer culture?

John Buchner

How will passwords be safe in a quantum computer revolution?

Felipe Jimenez

I mean… we need to know something about the Voynich manuscript. Has anyone make any advances on its meaning???

Olivia Eliasson

What’s the biggest mystery or unsolved cipher that cryptologists are still trying to decode today?

Lindsay Mixer

What would you suggest for someone looking to develop their own secret code? Where's a good place to start? (I need one for my dnd character lol)

Seline

At what point does a secret code stop being secret if enough people know it?

rowantree

Is there a feminist history to secret codes? Where have women played big roles in their history?

Aych

in the vein of Choctaw code talkers in WWI and Diné code talkers in WWII, do you think there would still be viability for codes based on less-widely-spoken languages or is that precluded by the online availability of like study materials for many of these languages whose cultures are working to keep them alive?

Quinn West

What’s the difference between a secret code and a Cipher? And with this, how was the zodiac killer’s cipher solved?

Adam Silk

How worried should people be about quantum cryptography and quantum computers breaking encryption? Second question; what's the most elegant code system they've come across?

Nancy Brown

Where did "Shave and a haircut; two bits" knock come from?

CassTheDogNerd

First time question asker here! This is less of a question I suppose, but I would love to hear the Ologist talk about some ways that marginalized and minoritized groups used codes and ciphers either as tools to escape oppression or ways to communicate among their community

Pavka34

How will quantum computing impact cryptography? Also, NIST has approved quantum resistance algorithms. How was this tested and what makes them resistant?

Nicky G

Can you expand upon how the Navajo language was used as a successful secret code?

Adam Foote

I've seen videos on YouTube from guys like 3blue1brown and Veritasium (I think) explaining how quantum computing can crack most computer security nearly instantly. Are there existing codes or algorithms that would still be hard to hack in a quantum computing landscape?

John Buchner

Does the ologist drink Ovaltine?

Lene Olszeth

Are there any historic secret codes that still haven't been cracked?

Quinn West

Would secret code solving be something that Generative AI would be good for? Or would humans be preferred for the code cracking?

Adam Foote

Does figuring out what my cat wants count as code breaking? What about translating things from another language? Is the heart of it about learning information that is supposed to be out of your reach?

Pavka34

What is your favorite ancient code? What is your favorite 18th century code?

OnyxMonolyth

First time asker: how have codes been used/what codes have been used by people working against oppression (not sure how to phrase this but like anarchists or black people during segregation and slavery)?

Baz Pugmire

I forgot this was a special interest of mine in childhood, (always tried to make my own, memorized Cesar Cipher, Wingdings, ect.) So I’m very excited for the ep!! 🫰Some SECRET CODE questions; 1. Are there contemporary examples of secret codes besides dogwhistles? 2. Are there any codes you think more folks should know about/implement in daily life? 3. Could be tangential, thoughts on the Voynich Manusctipt? 4. The last place you expected to encounter a code but did?

Duncan Koblas

Can we talk about the wall of lava lamps! ('lavarand' on wikipedia) More specifically, can you decipher a code made of completely random numbers?

Amanda McClendon

How often do secret codes accidentally cross over with each other? Like, in history, have there ever been codes that were a little too easily cracked because they were too similar to one already being used?

Lizzy Martinez

My mom's Dad (my grandpa) cracked the Japanese code during WWII, and he was very experienced with working with Morse code, too. How were secret codes in the war so important and breaking them to understand them even more important? Also Morse code is so cool!

Sophie Stephenson

Do you consider hidden-in-plain-sight symbols to be secret codes? For example, the myth (?) that pampas grass in someone’s yard means they’re swingers.

joshua.yyz

Quantum computing has created up a serious challenge for keeping encrypted data secure. Public key encryption, like RSA, is particularly vulnerable. What's the next step? How can we continue to secure data in a post qbit world?

Josh Waldman

It’s been like 50 years, how come we haven’t cracked all of the Zodiac Killer’s codes?

Pavka34

Does the ologist work with ancient, undeciphered languages? Not intentionally encrypted but lost.

Brie

submitted my first question via audio - can’t wait to hear all about secret codes!!

Marcel Ward

Are one-time pads legal (and in which countries)? And if so, why aren't there easy-to-use secure devices that allow us to have (e.g. chat) conversations with people completely securely after sharing one-time pads in-person (by physically connecting devices)?

Ann McHenry

Ok, but can we talk about how Elizebeth Smith Friedman is the best ever?

Pavka34

I second this!

Amy Hailes

Oh hell yes, this is exactly my kind of nerdery. Couple questions: what's the silliest code you've seen or know about? And do you do puzzle hunt competitions like Mystery Hunt or similar?

Emily Staw-fur

How do encrypted emails work? Are they actually effective at keeping emails secure?

Emily Staw-fur

Are there any languages that developed as originally a form of a secret code, but expanded to be a full language?

Organic Free-Range Lily

1. Is it true that during World War II, a secret code used by the Allies was deciphered because the person in charge of assigning symbols to random letters avoided rare letters like "X" and "Z"? (I read about that in Neal Stephenson's novel "Reamde") 2. Are there any secret codes that remain undeciphered, and have a reward for the person who deciphers them? (Asking for a friend.) (It's me. I'm the friend.) 3. Realistically, would encrypted apps such as Signal or Telegram keep my messages completely safe, even from the government? Or is that all just an illusion?

Emily Staw-fur

Are the random password generators any more secure than just crating my own password?

Pavka34

Discuss the Kryptos statue.

Bethany J

Why is the pigpen cypher so ubiquitous?! Signed, an escape room enthusiast and employee. (and written before opening this thread and seeing it here, too!)

CatsA

How legit is Google's new quantum chip (Willow) and what does that mean for the timeline on needing quantum resistant crypto? Also, any thoughts on the set of 3 quantum-resistant algorithms that NIST released in August? Any of those showing more promise than the others?

Kelli Brockington

Have you seen the KRYPTOS sculpture at CIA Headquarters in Langley? You can view online - what kind of code is this?

Matt Ceccato

How likely would a government put a code into a widely published periodical to see if it could be cracked by its readers? See "Mercury Rising," from 1998, with Bruce Willis

Nicole Jouas

What is the oldest secret code in history and does it bare any significance to us in this day in age?

kexi

How do ethics influence cryptology? Thinking keeping things hidden from malicious parties vs. finding out about malicious intent in others? Is there any way to actually keep the balance?

Pavka34

Explain trap door functions and why they are important to some common cryptographic ciphers

Raja

Are humans the only organisms to use secret codes or do other species also have these sorts of secrets between unique organisms of that species? (Raja is pronounced "Raya" like papaya)

kexi

What do you consider the most ingenious historical chyper or code beaking? Any ones that turned out especially useless?

Pavka34

How does elliptical curve cryptography work and was it faster than earlier cipher suites?

John Worster

Did the Navajo code talkers of WW2 speak in code, or did they just use their native language, which the Japanese weren't familiar with?

RJ Doidge

Is “The DaVinci Code” annoying or accurate? Or both?!

Rachel Cannon

Omg omg omg this makes my whole year. I hope your ologist is who I think it is. 🕵️‍♂️

dabe

What role will AI have in modern cryptology?

beanbag the cat

first time question asker! how can we use codes to survive fascism? i see a lot of speaking in code on tik tok to get around censorship and i’m curious about other ways we could use this for community and survival in the modern era?

Megging

What current cryptographic practices, if any, owe their origin to the Enigma Machine?

Jan Bundesmann

What protocols or algorithms will be broken by quantum computers? How do post quantum cryptography algorithms work and are some messengers already using them?

alikelytori

First time question asker :)) how do secret codes show up in histories of resistance to oppression/censorship?

Dionne Needham

I'm fascinated by letter locking. Is it just a means of securing messages against tampering and knowing if your message has been intercepted and/or can it be used as its own code? Does the way the letter locking work tell us who the author is like a letter lock signature?

Sarah Mabel

Are there examples of coded messages being delivered in formats other than speaking/writing? (Not computer code) My kiddo is also curious about the oldest known code. (We love you!!!)

Philipp Meder

With the Zodiac killer’s letter finally decrypted last year, does the ologist think there will be many similar cases finally cracked? What role does and will AI play in the future in these cases?

alikelytori

Oooh also! Do secret codes exist within the realm of sign language (ASL or otherwise)?

Margo Hayes

Any tips on how to make a good/fun one??

The Project Project

Could you get the Ologist to riff a little on how incredibly difficult it is to generate something that's TRULY random?

Dean K Ellison

I heard that when the Enigma code was broken it was easier because the letters on the wheels were in alphabetical order. Is this a common mistake? Also do many codes use multiple languages at the same time?

Greg Walloch

As a "Friend of Dorothy" I'm curious about secret codes that the LGBT community has used throughout history to identify each other e.g. green carnations in your lapel, puka shell necklaces, handkerchiefs in your back pocket, Bass Pro Shop hats, etc.

The Project Project

Codes? Or ciphers? Or just basic operational security? I can tell you that during the Occupy protests, we used regular snail mail to good effect. And of course there's the ol' reliable dead drop.

David

How have bad groups used secrete codes to avoid suppression by the powers that be, and how can we prevent this while allowing good groups to use codes?

The Project Project

Though just off the dome, from what little I know, that would probably be Caesar's Square. I made an abortive attempt to use that technique to come up with a self-generating one-time-pad, but any errors in transcription rendered subsequent recode/decode useless.

CurtisDawg

Are there secret codes in history that have never been broken?

Cat Kessler

Can you explain blockchain to me in a way that doesn't leave me looking like the lady in the math meme?

sidney

Has DNA ever been used in/as part of a secret code?

Erik K

Also curious if this is like the race to make the first atom bomb and the winner gets all the power

Erik K

Is the Voynich manuscript actually a coded book? If so will it ever be deciphered?

Jim Mowat

When decoding an old code, how do we know for certain that the code was fully broken and that it isn’t something even deeper? ( code within a code). Would it be possible to have a decoy red-herring fake code?

Jim Mowat

Excellent message!!!

Graceanne Read

Some people are really good at escape rooms, chess, and similar logic puzzles. Is there an actual piece of the brain that is working more efficiently in people? Is that genetic?

Rachel Guthrie

With all the technology we have today, is it possible to create a secret code that can’t be broken by a computer?

Quinn

FTQA: how does the encryption differ in text messages? Like SMS vs RCS and others I probably don’t know. Also how are calls and FaceTimes (on Apple at least) encrypted?

Meaghan Ratcliffe

whats the most difficult code that’s ever been cracked? or failed to be cracked?

Colby Evans

Be sure to drink your Ovaltine

Quinn

Also are doctor prescriptions, med history, etc. encrypted? And how does that process work?

Bennett Vanderbosch

How and when are new codes developed? I feel like we sometimes hear about old code systems and how they were decoded or found out, but we wouldn't know about new codes until and unless they were broken!

Emily Totero

What is the oldest known example of a code? What purposes did early codes serve and how has that evolved over time?

Quinn

FTQA: how much of your job really just like mathy linguistics? What does that intersection between linguistics and cryptography look like?

Lizzy

FTQA: Is it possible to make an unbreakable code? Also, how do we determine the difference between a “language” and a “code,” just the amount of people who know the translation? Does a code always have to hide secrets?

Tinnedfishfanatic

The Culper Ring and their secret codes… were they as cool as I think they were??

Erin

Dhdjchr fjdjcugr jdjf dj? (Just kidding, that’s gibberish)

Seth Waite

What exactly makes some codes so difficult to break? The zodiac codes, the phaistos disc, etc. Some still unsolved after hundreds of years.

Leila Laco

Yes to this! Growing up in the UK I'm well aware of the women of Bletchley Park in WW2 (definitely worth an aside at least, the way the women kept it secret from everyone they knew for 30 years after is fascinating!) and want to know where/when else women changed history by cracking codes.

Kate E

Will we get to the point at which AI or supercomputers can break any code?

Maximilian Galindo

In the era of emerging quantum computing technologies, what proactive measures are being undertaken to ensure the security and resilience of future classical and quantum computing infrastructures?

Pallison

Who was using secret codes first?? First time question asker 🎷🐛

Kody Murdock

Any idea where the first instance of using "code" to hide information/stuff was first discovered?

HannahBoNannas

How does data encryption keep getting bypassed? It seems like none of our information is safe — is it?

MRow

Do you have any thoughts on the threat/impact of quantum computing on the cryptology protecting the internet?

mish the fish

what's the difference and overlap between secret codes and full blown languages? why are kids compelled to create secret codes?

Nicole S

What the flim- flam on codes/code breaking?

Ninja Squirrel

What is the oldest code that's been cracked?

Jackie G

I'm curious about the boundaries around what we consider a secret code. Are all secret codes language based? Do they have to have been made with the intent to be secret? For example, is DNA a secret code for building life?

PopsicleEmperor

Are there any codes historically that remain unsolved/uncracked?

Erin White

1: The Voynich manuscript. Secret code? Language? Horseshit?

Janel the LabRat

It's been passed around that knitters used to knit codes into fabric (like train schedules). Is that true, or flim flam?

Eli Loves Vultures

FTQA: Why don't we hear about new unbroken or big-time fancy codes a lot anymore? Are they even more secret? Maybe I'm in the wrong circles and I should look for more codes.

Clarissa Hoskison

Why are some people more easily to crack codes than others? How do we feel about the “Davinci Code” and its movie representation of secret codes?

Erin White

With the invention of all these fancy supercomputers, can *humans* still make codes that are unbreakable, or does it take a computer to beat a computer?

Pearl Ramone

Since codes are also based on a language, how do you know if you need to be fluent in a particular language to solve a code?

Emmett M Wald

I understand the role of prime numbers in modern cryptography, but I don’t understand why solving the prime distribution problem would “break” modern cryptography. Wouldn’t you still have to brute-force it to figure out which prime(s) were the key(s)?

Gail Starr

First-time questioner here: has anyone ever written a code into a piece of music?

Quinton Randall

First time question asker here! Are there any codes that have been cracked years later with new technology or methods? Thanks internet dad

Dave Brewer

I’d be happy to hear anything about Enigma.

Cooper Michael

What is the most well thought out secret code in books/TV/Film and what makes it so great!?

Dave Brewer

And are there any similar examples with other languages?

Kent Durvin

How quickly would we be able to crack the famous German enigma code machine with modern technology?

Aspen Olson

Is there one place where codes originated from, or did it spread from different origins simultaneously? First-time question asker :)

Zuleika Pevec

Yes! I’m not great at pattern recognition, and I feel like it’s the same part of my brain.

Clemens V

Maybe that’s rather one for a political philosophologist, but (where) do humans have the right for secret communication and does it matter (if I use the right code)? Thinking of the encryption vs backdoors battle in phones.

Matt Hirschl

Is there a language that tends to have more secret codes than others?

Cynthia Cinnabar

What is the oldest secret code? Also, is there controversy about this?

Katie Biardi

Maybe not quite a secret code, but why couldn't anyone break the Navajo Code during WWII when it's based on an actual real-life language? Is Diné that different of a language?

Dr. Lina Carpenter

What's the technical definition of a code -- when does a code become a code? Does it require a pattern and/or a minimum number of symbols? What are the technical differences between a code and a language? And, for the expert -- what's your FAVORITE code? And what's a code you LOATHE?

RoadLesTravelled

In addition to creating a hand-cranked computer called a "differential engine" in the 19th century, Charles Babbage is suspected of developing an intricate secret code for the British government. Is there any proof of this work?

Meagan Walker

Is AI solving all the codes now?

Meagan Walker

What are famous codes that haven’t been cracked? Is it possible that they’re just gibberish?

Meagan Walker

How did the enigma machine work?

Dylan

would love to know their favorites of all the codes we haven’t cracked yet!!!

Dylan

how can i become a coder

Addie Cappello she her

This is so cool!!! Ok: Do you have a favorite secret code you’ve broken? Any reading recommendations for learning about this stuff from a historical perspective? Any “ah-ha” moment(s) You can share from your learning experiences? I know technology takes brains but I really feel like secret codes without technology take some serious brain power, skill, and intelligence- any feedback or thoughts on the difference between more technological versus more non-tech typed coding? As I’m writing these questions I’m thinking of movies like “A Series of Unfortunate Events”, “The Mummy”, “Lara Croft”, “Tom and Huck” etc. - do any of these types of secret codes have historical foundations? Any particular time in history that you enjoy most regarding the type of secret codes that were used? Thanks so much!! Really looking forward to this episode 🤓😎

Emily T

What was the earliest code discovered? How is a code different from a language?

Robin F.

What is the oldest established secret code that we know of? And oldest unbroken code? And: are there secret codes that don’t represent language directly/that don’t use syntax and instead represent general meanings?

Addie Cappello she her

This question makes my brain hurt so I’m hoping it gets answered and explained!!

Addie Cappello she her

I knew nothing of this until your question so I hope they talk about this!!

Lisa Gorman

How common are secret codes in modern society and how are they used?

Karol

What makes a secret code different than a “foreign language”?

Karol

What is the simplest code that is still commonly used today?

Average_pi

Please ask them about rot13 and how goofy it is.

Molly H

Are there any instances of animals besides humans using code to deceive others while successfully communicating with those who know the code?

Colleen Chick

What a fun topic! Code words! Secret codes! De-coding/En-coding! Computer coding! Codex! Cultural Codes! Wow I can’t wait. Hope there are some tidbits/activities/resources to use with my kids, we love to nerd out playfully.

Lisa Scanlon Mogolov

I work at Wellesley College (a women's college outside Boston) and have spoken with alums who were students during World War II and were secretly recruited by their professors to train to be codebreakers. After they graduated the worked as codebreakers for the Navy, keeping their work secret from even their families. None of these students were math majors... they all liked puzzles and logic games, though. I think it's interesting that you don't necessarily need to be a math whiz to be good at cracking codes, and I am curious what the common traits of good codebreakers is.

Alexis Merculief

FTQA: why was the Zodiac killers’ code so difficult to break? What tools were used to crack it, and how are scientists “sure” they got the right message? There’s no way to fact check, right?

GhoulNextDoor

How similar is code breaking to translating ancient texts? Do people who are skilled at deciphering code also tend to assist with deciphering ancient texts?

GhoulNextDoor

Are there any good sources for learning secret or simi-secret codes?

Christine

I’m a member of the puzzle community, and have a special interest in encodings/encoding cards. I’m anxious to see if you discuss any my pocket reference doesn’t include. One of my long time favorites is Vigenere Cipher!

Kurt Swanson

FTQA! Has there been any progress in figuring out the Voynich manuscript? Why is it so hard to decode?

Katy

Numbers stations - wtf?

Katy

Are there any great modern books about making and breaking codes for kids that I can get for the littles in my life? (I was obsessed with borrowing library books about codes and spy shit when I was a kid.)

Mona Finlayson

Why do humans love secret codes so much? Why are we so drawn to making things that look like one thing, but if you know what you're looking for, then it means something else? I'm thinking about kids doing secret handshakes and making secret languages with their friends, but also portraying messages in art and writing. Is is just a need to be understood? Does the deeper meaning behind writing and art even count as secret codes? am I asking questions about a different Ology?

Mona Finlayson

Please tell how to make my own secret code like a professional spy.

Amanda Lask

Are abbreviations like lol, brb, and idk types of code words considering how widely they're used?

bebau

How are large prime numbers related to secret codes? Do all modern codes require big prime numbers? What happens if someone discovers a bigger one?

Rachel

What’s the major differentiation from a code and a language? Sometimes learning a new language feels like a secret code

Rose McCathran

Could you please talk about Soggetto cavato? And whether or not codes were used in Serial music?

Mike Campbell

“System of the World” (fiction) books touch on this.

Paul Hancock

I have a colleague who always complains when we talk about "coding" our software projects they insist that we should say "programming" instead. To the uninitiated the software we write certainly seems like a secret code! I'm curious about why we use the word "coding" to refer to writing software. Of course I also what to know who is right!

Olivier Calas

Have we gone way beyong the Enigma machine used by the Germans during WWII in terms of encoding complexity or was the apex already reached then?

Mike Campbell

Would be nice to touch on steganography. (Inspired by prior questions about “hiding in plain sight “.

Paul S. R. Chisholm

Because we're writing code. Personally I talk about developing software, which goes beyond coding / programming.

Willow Turner

FTQA : How do you feel about codes in media like Dan Brown books, or Gravity Falls , you know…the hard hitting deep stuff

Paul S. R. Chisholm

Professional spies don't make up their own codes. But amateurs can, and it's fun!

Paul S. R. Chisholm

It's not goofy. It's not secure at all, but it's a great way to hide spoilers.

Paul S. R. Chisholm

FTQA: Thanks for this! What does quantum computing mean for encryption? Especially for decrypting legacy encrypted data?

Milan Ilnyckyj

Any of: 1) When (if ever) will all the Venona messages be broken? 2) What does the need to conceal and obscure intelligence sources and methods (like codebreaking) obscure the writing and comprehension of recent history? What may we learn and have to rethink when/if more records become available to scholars? 3) Do the Snowden revelations and lack of appararent political, legal, and procedural reform after imply that all US online services have integrated back doors for the intelligence services, in addition to the legal compliance mechanisms whose usage is disclosed? 4) For the average user who wants to use encryption to keep some data private, with a minimum of chance they will lose access to it later for reasons of software / OS incompatibility, what methods or tools would you recommend? 5) Are there other historical cases as definitive as the breaking of the ciphers used by Mary Queen of Scots? 6) How can cryptographic algorithms be used to help keep photos and videos useful as evidence, in an era with omnipresent media manipulation tools? 7) Can you please comment on TEMPEST attacks and other such side-channels as vulnerabilities for breaking into cryptographic systems in situations where you have physical hardware access or can manipulate the system to approximate such access? 8) The NSA used pyrotechnic systems (thermite slabs and grenades, sodium nitrate barrels) as 'disintegrators' - do any modern cryptographic systems employ comparable dramatics in self-defence or self-destruction? 9) With the benefit of later scholarship, how important was the loss of Rommel’s cryptographers as part of the overall outcome in the theatres? Is Khan's Code-Breakers current in considering it important to the outcome of the Battle of Alamein? 10) Will future computer and mathematical capabilities provide the equivalent of rainbow tables for widely used encryotion algorithms, making their deciperhing computationally undemanding?

Jordan Crosby

First time question asker: What’s been the lasting impact of the Navajo code talkers? How did they choose Navajo over other languages? How have art, music, dance, etc been used to conceal messages for marginalized groups?

Ryan Marlow

Are one-time pads or any other pre-digital encryption techniques still effective or have they been rendered totally obsolete in the digital era?

Stephanie Coombes

I loved the Code Book, by Simon Singh. It’s 25 years old now - what are the more recent updates to codebreaking, especially in regards to AI use?

Yngvi

1. Are there any codes that are unbreakable to this day? 2. What’s your opinion on Voynich manuscript?

Olga

Hi! i love this podcast, thank you for making my commutes to work enjoyable <3 What is the oldest code ever discovered? Like how old is the first known discovery of codes being used?

Emmett

My girlfriend recently informed me about the Navajo Code Talkers, does our expert have any insight into their history?

Claire Nurc

What's the difference between a code and a language? I'm thinking of those old languages like Linear B which have never been decoded. Are they de facto codes?

Anastasia Press

What is it about the Zodiac Killer's messages that make them so difficult to decode? My understanding is that some of them still haven't been deciphered after so long

Amelie Lu

Seconded! One of my teachers used to say that with quantum computers, encryption basically becomes meaningless, and I see his point - but there's got to be people working on this problem, governments surely worry about it??

Amelie Lu

Asymmetrical encryption (public + private keys): Has it been used before computers were a thing? If so, how? And how long has it been in use?

tinko

This prompt showed up the same day social media decided to show me the existence of illusion knitting and sending secret messages during wartimes. Tell me more!

Milan Ilnyckyj

Might the techniques of cryptanalysis eventually help us understand the language of non-human animals or aliens?

Mouse Paxton

What is the oldest example of a secret code? Are there any that still remained unsolved? Do modern militaries/governments still use secret codes? Do you attempt to solve codes that show up in media (ie. Gravity Falls)? Any examples that you think are particularly good? Not sure if this falls under this ology, but I was wondering about that thing people do in media where they'll sit on the opposite end of a bench, speak a code phrase, and then handoff some kind of package or document. Does that really happen?

Kieran H

Are there any secret codes that have been discovered that are kinda bogus?

Kieran H

What is the Oologist’s favorite secret code from history?

Zinc

what made cracking the enigma code so special? i know that it’s to do with it being different every time but i have never heard an explanation that i have fully understood before.

Zinc

what differs a language from a code? is deciphering extinct language similar to deciphering codes?

Dave Miller, PhD

what is the most significant “code break” in history? ✌🏻♥️🍸

Elongated Muskrat

Where is the line between a language and a code. Is figuring out things like Egyptian hieroglyphs similar to a code breaking process?

Magda Kossowska

What's the difference between a code and a language? Thinking about how Diné (Navajo) was used as a basis for a code in WWII.

MagpieLaughs

FTQA: Did you ever use a secret code as a teenager to send notes? (I definitely did - my best friend and I used Tolkien's Tengwar. Does this question make me look old?)

Elongated Muskrat

Is anyone keeping track of kids making up code. Are their similarities in how humans come up with these systems

Lyssa Mercier

What is the oldest example of a secret code that we have found? How do people teach eachother how to decrypt their codes securely?

Ry_ofthetiger

Will AI and quantum computing make secret codes a thing of the past? It seems like with enough computing power, it could be possible to brute force any cypher, no?

Stacy Wicks

My husband and I are very intrigued by the Kryptos sculpture by James Sanborn outside of the CIA HQ building. Three of the four sections have been deciphered while the fourth remains a mystery. Have you ever or would you ever attempt to crack the fourth section?

Dawn Smolczyk (pronounced small-check)

OMG! Please talk about the Navajo code talkers!! Are there other examples of using language or writing of indigenous people for sharing secret messages?

decimals and more

Fun! I have two questions! 1. Are there secret codes that no one has been able to crack yet? 2. Are there linguistic or cultural aspects that “watermark” codes historically? Or do our norms not come into play here?

Lizzy Booth

So many questions... how many unsolved codes are still out there? Is there a community where people work together to solve them? How do I get into it? What do you do if you solve one?

Kara Partridge

What codes are out there still unsolved and laughing at us?

Tilly's mom

What is the oldest known secret code?

Tilly's mom

When we see ancient codes, how do we know what they meant?

Baz Pugmire

Do you mind talking abt the history of the hankie code & lesbian carabiners re: their origins ? Aside from “being gay was illegal” I mean

Ben and Ford

Can you talk about some codes that are still unsolved? What are the origins of the caesar cypher? Do you have a favorite code? If you really like secret codes and puzzles, what hobbies could you pick up? (ie: creating scavenger hunts or escape rooms?)

roni 💥

FTQA (roni pronounced ike macaroni)—what is the most effective way to crack a code? is there a more efficient system than just testing various parameters and patterns until one of them aligns perfectly, or is there some sort of mathematical formula/trend that allows for a more precise prediction?— e.g. using statistical information on what the most used lock combinations are in order to make educated guesses instead of just trying every number on a combination lock until it opens (subsequently making you the slowest bicycle thief in history) also what’s the deal with subliminal messages?

Sam Acker

FTQA (pronounced acre): Are there encryption techniques used today that are beyond the scope of expected encryption techniques so much so that a computer couldn't decrypt it? Something that's more visual or spoken rather than alphanumeric...? I'm reminded of old treasure books like A Treasure's Trove (2004) or The Secret (1982) which coded clues in illustrations. Thanks!

Milan Ilnyckyj

What sort of steganographic easter egg could be discreetly folded into, say, a podcast?

Kristin 🦦

My daughter is fascinated by the Bletchley Park code breakers and their US counterparts. We recently learned about coded messages in knitting via patterns in the stitches. Would love to learn more about that!

Ted Vician

This brings up a thought that may be well beyond the guest’s expertise: how would encryption work in a fantasy/magical setting? If we assume no electronic computers, how would wizards or alchemists encrypt information for transmission?

Caro Young

Is there such a thing as unbreakable code still these days?

talaopali

Is asymmetric encryption framework good enough to scale and last forever to counter opposing forces trying break it? Or we need a totally new encryption framework or idea for that? Thank you!

Daryn

If someone invents their own shorthand code and never shares or makes a cipher, is it ever decipherable?

Matthew Winn

Can you break down the secret codes that reflect *spelling*, versus those that reflect the *sounds* of speech versus those that reflect *meaning* of words? Is one type more common than the others?

Daniel Opdahl

I've heard people talk about how solving P vs. NP could break all modern cryptology. What's the deal with that?

Christopher Anderson

Is there still relevance to "manual" cryptography approaches (i.e., human-led problem solving), or have computation/AI/machine learning rendered that sort of thing irrelevant?

Cory

There are many language systems such as Mayan and ancient Egyptian that have been 'cracked' by humans. Is anyone testing ai learning against these languages and is so, how to the results compare to what scholars have figured out?

Kirsten Love

How do you even know where start? Especially when looking at a code with no contextual clues And is it true the Enigma machine was deliberately made with 1 less wheel by Turing (?) so there was a chance to crack it?

Cat

Is there any credence to the Bible code? Or is that just flimflam?

Keagan

Are you familiar with Dancing Men code? And if so do you think it’s realistic? What’s the most discrete code that people pass by every day? Do hobo codes count as codes? Or are they simply symbols/icons?

Mooseperson

How did the knitting secret codes work (I think from ww2)? Would love to incorporate some secret messages into my knitting

Stephen Moxley

Computer scientist and security engineer here!! How dangerous is quantum computing to existing cryptography? Is it break-the-world-like-we-thought-y2k-would dangerous or is it a more mild threat to our existing systems?

Sara Rocero

How does one start to unravel secret codes?

Sara Rocero

Can AI solve secret codes? If so, we should unplug it now!

Saira (‘Sarah’) Manns

Vw Dgjg Kioz, W ldsso UwsTEX Hc auwy s wsgbmf zmrm oxh jvgtm iekvi qvzp aeeg lbwm ngprsjh jsmcsw fq. Rmv wyi zn bje wntugxsd dvgmvb pz?

Saira (‘Sarah’) Manns

Omgggg 🤯 You may have just sent me down a previously unheard-of rabbit hole!!

Skye

Are secret codes considered language? First time question asker, long time listener. I love your show and after every interview I’m inspired more to pursue what I am passionate about. You, and your interviewees, are awesome and an inspiration!

Daryn

Exactly why I asked! Letters, I think brute force can work. Meaning seems like it would never happen. I’ve heard of people who have developed their own shorthand for work notes and I have wondered if a motivated individual or group could get thru it.

Lindsey Bartholomew

I’m glad you asked this because I was worried about the relevancy of my own question: Is it possible to “decode” written language without any prior knowledge of it?

Megan R

Are there any codes from history that remain unsolved, and are people still working on them? I'm thinking dead languages, extinct society type stuff.

Madison Woofter

Have you ever seen coded knitting. secret codes knitted into sweaters, scarves, hats or even wall hangings?

Milan Ilnyckyj

Simon's Singh's excellent The Code Book includes practical instructions, and there are tools and exercises: https://www.simonsingh.net/The_Black_Chamber/chamberguide.html Breaking. a Vigenere Cipher manually or with simple tools is quite feasible when you see how the technique involves separating the different cipher alphabets selected by each letter in the repeating codeword

Milan Ilnyckyj

Simon Singh's "The Code Book" has a chapter on how people made sense of Linear B despite having no translations of texts equivalent to a 'Rosetta stone'

Milan Ilnyckyj

It hallucinates readily about them. Try asking for some ultra-basic (like ROT13) codebreaking from the various chatbot LLMs. They readily make up totally impossible answers and confidently assert why they must be correct for a bunch of deluded reasons

Milan Ilnyckyj

Simon Singh's "The Code Book" covers is extremely well, without any need to understand mathematical notation

Milan Ilnyckyj

And please beg Dr. Gbur to come back and talk about his animal camouflage research

Milan Ilnyckyj

Somewhat amazingly, the core cryptographic protocols used for the public internet are largely made available as open source so everyone can make sure they know exactly what they are working with and a large global community can spot and mitigate bugs and exploits

Rainbowape

My wife, my 12 year old and I are massive, long time fans but new Patreons. The above mentioned offspring loves making new languages and wants me to submit this on their behalf: "Hi Alie, are there any connection with conlangs (constructed languages) and secret codes? It feels like there is but what specifically are the differences, if any? Smiley face, put a smiley face" 😊

Maddy

What tools are used today to decipher codes the way enigma was used in the 1940s?

Capybara Gall

What is the earliest know example of text believed to be secret code rather than simply a writing system / language lost to time? How do historians know that the contents were meant to be kept secret? Another question, in the US students learn in school about the Navajo (and other groups of Native American) code talkers during WWII. I understand from google :) that code talkers use a cipher on top of speaking in another language. Is this unique historically or have other countries done something similar using their own sparsely spoken languages?

Daryn

That’s very interesting and a fun read. Thanks for sharing!

Marcella Mathis

First time question asker here! How confident are we on deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs (somewhat code related)? Just as we use emojis or slang, how sure are we that they meant their phrases accurately? And we’ve essentially unlocked their “codes”

Chris Eff

Hi! 1st time Question! Were there any instances of the government enlisting a civilian who proved to be a virtuoso codebreaker to solve some super secret cipher? I feel like I’ve seen this sort of thing in movies but did it ever actually happen?

poisonedcheerios

Encryption vs secret codes? Origin of morse code?

poisonedcheerios

.. / .-.. --- ...- . / --- .-.. --- --. .. . ...

Liv Cazzola

FTQA here! Can you explain the blockchain? How did the quilts along the Underground Railroad help convey secret messages to black people fleeing enslavement?

Miriam

What does the expert think about the books of Dan Brown? :D Illuminati signs everywhere!!

Taylor campbell

FTQA I’m sure im too late but i hope they talk about the unsolved secret code sculpture at the CIA headquarters I learned about it in Adam Jacob’s book The Puzzler and think about it often.

Elongated Muskrat

Has anyone’s studied how kids around the word develop codes? “Spy” is a common game and are their similarities on how humans develop an understanding of codes??

ilikeplantsmorethanpeople

what exactly is the difference between a code and a language? And if they are technically two distinct definitions, how do we have "coding language?!"

Darren Bush

Can you explain in 8th grader language how Enigma actually cracked the Nazi codes? I'm fascinated by the story (and how shitty Turing was treated), but I never had anyone explain how it actually happened.

Rainbowape

I'm pretty sure that almost everyone at Bletchley Park was a civilian.

Rainbowape

Wasn't that due to the "discovery" of the Rosetta Stone? I believe it had the same thing written on it in 4 languages, one being ancient Egyptian and another being ancient Greek. Knowing the Greek meant it could be used as a cypher.

Michael Sherman

Language can often be a code of no one knows the language. I've heard two stories where this was the case. One was the code talkers in WW2 and the science conference where a guy lost his translator but another attendee knew Klingon

Cameron Coffin

FTQA: What are your thoughts/feelings regarding the Voynich Manuscript and do you think it may ever be solved?