Which term describes the attempt to decode a secret message without knowing all the specifics of the cipher?

Which term describes the attempt to decode a secret message without knowing all the specifics of the cipher?

• A. Encryption
• B. Cracking encryption
• C. Cipher
• D. Innovation

Answer: (B)

Trying to decode a secret message without knowing all the details of the cipher is cracking encryption. This is cryptanalysis—the practice of analyzing ciphertext to deduce the plaintext, the key, or the algorithm itself without full information. Encryption is the process of turning plaintext into ciphertext, and a cipher is the specific method or algorithm used. Innovation doesn’t describe breaking codes. So cracking encryption is the right term for describing the attempt to decode without complete cipher specifics.

Trying to decode a secret message without knowing all the details of the cipher is cracking encryption. This is cryptanalysis—the practice of analyzing ciphertext to deduce the plaintext, the key, or the algorithm itself without full information. Encryption is the process of turning plaintext into ciphertext, and a cipher is the specific method or algorithm used. Innovation doesn’t describe breaking codes. So cracking encryption is the right term for describing the attempt to decode without complete cipher specifics.