A cipher machine is a mechanical device for encoding and decoding messages.
The Greeks
James Leeson
Thomas Jefferson
He invented the Machine GunHe invented the Machine Gun
The Lorenz cipher machine was a teleprinter cipher used by the German military during World War II, designed to encrypt messages. It utilized a complex system of 12 rotors, each contributing to the encryption process by altering the plaintext based on a series of predefined settings and a variable key. The machine generated a stream of pseudo-random characters that substituted letters in the plaintext, making the output appear nonsensical. To decode the messages, the recipient needed to know the specific rotor settings and the key used for encryption, which added a layer of security.
The Lorenz machine, used during World War II, was a cipher machine employed by the German military for encrypting messages. It utilized a complex system of gears and wheels to produce a polyalphabetic substitution cipher, which was more sophisticated than earlier encryption methods. The machine's encrypted messages were known as "Tunny," and breaking its codes was a significant achievement for Allied cryptanalysts, contributing to the war effort. Its decryption played a crucial role in intelligence operations, particularly at Bletchley Park.
Turing did not work on the Enigma, it was a German machine. However he did do some work on the British Bombe machines that were used to crack the Enigma machine cipher. Later he saw Tommy Flowers' Colossus electronic computer, designed to crack the German Lorenz SZ40/42 machine cipher. This inspired him after the end of the war to begin work on programmable electronic computers.
A cipher machine is a mechanical device for encoding and decoding messages.
Turing did not work on the Enigma, it was a German machine. However he did do some work on the British Bombe machines that were used to crack the Enigma machine cipher. Later he saw Tommy Flowers' Colossus electronic computer, designed to crack the German Lorenz SZ40/42 machine cipher. This inspired him after the end of the war to begin work on programmable electronic computers.
The Greeks
Having the enemy's cipher machine made interception and interpretation much easier.
James Leeson
- Dumbwaiter - Folding camp stool - Lazy Susan He also invented the Jefferson cipher wheel, macaroni and cheese, the hideaway bed, the Great Clock, and the pedometer.
Thomas Jefferson
Colossus, the world's first programmable digital computer, was used by British codebreakers during World War II to help decipher the Lorenz cipher. This cipher was employed by the German military for high-level communications, specifically by the German Army's High Command. Colossus processed and analyzed the encrypted messages, significantly contributing to the Allied efforts by providing critical intelligence. Its success in breaking the Lorenz cipher marked a pivotal advancement in cryptography and computing.
Tommy Flowers developed Colossus in 1943. This computer was intended to aid British code breakers in World War II with analysis of the Lorenz cipher.