Can You Break This Code? [UPDATE: Answer Revealed]

In honor of computing legend Grace Hopper, we’re sharing a code for attendees at the annual Grace Hopper Celebration. Stop by our virtual booth with the answer for a special prize. Scroll down to view solution.

 

Scroll down for solution

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answer:

The way you encode is:

1. Write the key phrase in one line with no spaces
2. Number the letters of the key phrase in alphabetical order (A=1, B=2, etc.)
3. Then, add the message to encode below each letter of the key phrase.
4. Finally, re-order the letters of the message to encode in order of the numbered columns (1=OO, 2=S, 3=SE, etc.)

For an extra layer of encoding, the letters are grouped in fives.

Columnar Transposition Cipher       

KEY PHRASE:

M

A

K

E

T

H

I

N

G

S

P

O

S

S

I

B

L

E

11

1

9

3

18

6

7

12

5

15

14

13

16

17

8

2

10

4

Y

O

U

S

O

L

V

E

P

R

O

B

L

E

M

S

S

O

D

O

W

E

O

O

S

S

E

O

P

L

V

M

U

W

S

Y

D

E

B

O

R

L

E

O

CODE:

O

O

S

S

E

O

P

L

V

M

U

W

S

Y

D

E

B

O

R

L

E

O