Symbol Substitution Cryptograms to Solve
Although these symbol cryptograms may look extra tricky, they are basic substitution ciphers. You can apply the principles of letter frequency analysis to work through these puzzles.
To start out, look for the most frequent letter (or symbol) in each cryptogram — you’ll find it’s almost always E. Single-letter words will be A or I. The words THE, AND, and THAT are the most commonly seen short words in English. Double letters and apostrophes are also helpful when cracking ciphers.
Easy Symbol Cipher 1. In the first degree of initiation into the Knights of the Golden Circle, they reveal their racist and pro-slavery philosophy:
Easy Symbol Cipher 1 Hint
Easy Symbol Cipher 1 Answer
Easy Symbol Cipher 2. Some sage advice from an unexpected source:
Easy Symbol Cipher 2 Hint
Easy Symbol Cipher 2 Answer
Easy Symbol Cipher 1 Hint
The last word starts with F.
Easy Symbol Cipher 2 Hint
The second word starts with Y.
Cracking Codes & Cryptograms Glossary
cipher
An encryption where each letter of the alphabet is replaced by a different letter, number, or symbol. As opposed to a code, where whole words are replaced by letters, numbers, or symbols.
Cracking Codes & Cryptograms Glossary
ciphertext
The encrypted message.
Cracking Codes & Cryptograms Glossary
keyword
A word which is used as a key to a cipher. The word is often written at the start of the ciphertext alphabet or into the top positions of a Masonic/Pigpen Cipher. The remaining letters of the alphabet make the remainder of the ciphertext alphabet.
Cracking Codes & Cryptograms Glossary
pattern word
A word which has repeating letters in it. This pattern of repeating letters is very helpful when cracking a cryptogram. The most widely seen pattern word is THAT - the letter T appears twice. When you see an encrypted word in the pattern 1- -1 (where the number 1 represents the enciphered letters), it’s most likely to be THAT. Another common pattern word is PEOPLE — if you see an encrypted word in the pattern 12-1-2, PEOPLE is a good guess.
Cracking Codes & Cryptograms Glossary
plaintext
The original message, in plain English.
