cryp·tog·ra·phy noun the art of writing or solving codes. ----- In cryptography, a cipher is an "key" for unlocking encrypted messages. ----- Let's make a secret message!! Don't worry, it's super fucking easy. (You need paper/pencil because you're a newb) 1: First we need 26 letters, use ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 2: Now we need to pick a number under 27, let's use the date! 2+5+2+1 = 10 3: Find the 10th letter (J) and rewrite your 26 letters JKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZABCDEFGHI 4a: Now, starting at the new 10th letter (S) rewrite your 26 using every 10th letter. 4b: SCMWGQAKUEOYI (When letters repeat, move 1 right) TDNXHRBLVFPZJ (Double check for duplicates/errors. Randomly fix) 5: Check to make sure none of the 26 letters are in the "right" spot. ----- A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z S C M W G Q A K U E O Y I T D N X H R B L V F P Z J ----- Uh oh! (V) didn't move!, fuck that noise, let's switch it with (S) 6: Our temporary alphabet is now: VCMWGQAKUEOYITDNXHRBLSFPZJ it doesn't quite roll off the tongue like ol' reliable, but it makes for better communications! Watch, I will write what appears to be nonsense, but you'll be able to understand :) EDG CUWGT UR V NGWD! Congratulations, you now have a more secure form of online communication! There are far more advanced methods, as well as pointers/tips you can hunt down online. Remember though, never pass out your cipher (key) online, or you're just wasting your time :)