Null Cipher Extractor
Extract hidden messages from text using various null cipher techniques. Find acrostics and hidden patterns.
Current method: First letter of each word (acrostic)
What is a Null Cipher?
A null cipher hides a message within innocent-looking text. The hidden message is formed by extracting specific letters (first letters of words, every Nth letter, capital letters, etc.) while the rest of the text is meaningless filler.
Common Patterns to Look For
- • Acrostics: First letters of each word/line spell a message
- • Unusual text: Awkward or strange phrasing
- • Odd capitals: Random capitalization
- • Letter spacing: Extra spaces or unusual formatting
- • Poetry/verse: Common hiding place for acrostics
What is a Null Cipher?
A null cipher is a form of steganography where a message is hidden within an ordinary-looking text. Only certain letters or words carry the hidden meaning; the rest are "null" (meaningless filler).
Common Null Cipher Methods
Acrostics
The most common type: the first letter of each word or line spells out a message. Ancient poets used this technique to sign their works.
Position-Based
- Every Nth letter: Read every 3rd, 5th, etc. letter
- Word position: Every Nth word
- Sentence markers: First/last word of each sentence
Visual Markers
- Capital letters: Only uppercase letters carry the message
- Punctuation: Words before/after specific punctuation
- Formatting: Bold, italic, or underlined text
Null Ciphers in Geocaching
These are popular in puzzles because:
- Hidden in plain sight: Text looks innocent
- Requires observation: Solver must notice something is "off"
- Creative writing: Can be part of a story or poem
- Multiple layers: Can combine with other ciphers
How to Spot a Null Cipher
Look for these clues:
- Awkward phrasing: Sentences that don't quite sound natural
- Unusual vocabulary: Words chosen for their starting letters
- Random capitals: Letters capitalized without reason
- Strange formatting: Inconsistent spaces or line breaks
- Poems or stories: Common hiding places for acrostics
Famous Examples
- POW messages: Prisoners used null ciphers to communicate
- Historical letters: Spies hid messages in correspondence
- The Zodiac Killer: Some claim his letters contained null ciphers
Related Techniques
- Bacon Cipher: Hides message in font variations.
- Skip Cipher: Regular interval extraction.
- Steganography: Hiding data in images.