Secret Messages - Spy Craft 101

Spy movies often showcase secret messages that captivate audiences. For example, an agent might open a book only to find a tape recorder containing their mission, which then self-destructs. While slightly exaggerated, this scenario highlights our fascination with covert communication methods.

Send Secret Messages Like a Pro

Secret messages have a rich history, dating back to the fifth century B.C. A Greek tyrant named Histiaeus needed to inform an ally about impending Persian attacks. Ingeniously, he shaved the head of a servant, tattooed a message on his scalp, and waited for the hair to regrow before sending him off. Once the servant reached his destination, they shaved his head to unveil the hidden message. This method obviously requires an exceptionally dedicated messenger. Technology has now brought everyone a secret message capability. With that, it’s time to break out your secret decoder ring as we explore a few ways to send secret messages.

One intriguing method involves using a digital camera, specifically the camera’s SD card. Most digital cameras feature a copyright information section. Instead of entering personal copyright details, you can embed a secret message within the photo. After that, simply select a random image and send it to your fellow spy. They can check the properties of the photo to discover the message. The message length varies by camera and SD card, but you can easily include short phrases, locations, or times. If you pass the camera to your contact, they can navigate to the settings, view the copyright info, read your note, and even respond if they wish.

Dead Drop Email

Another approach is known as “dead drop email.” Although standard email is vulnerable to hacking, this method circumvents that risk by never actually sending the email. Start by setting up a fake email account using no personal information. Then, provide your contact with the account password, possibly through a photo using the earlier method. Compose your message but don’t send it; simply save it as a draft. When your partner logs in, they can read the draft, and if necessary, they can edit the message to respond. If you ever suspect the account may be compromised, log in and delete the drafts to protect your communication.

Next, let’s dive into a classic method: ciphers. Ciphers act as encryption algorithms, converting plaintext into ciphertext via a key. You might, for instance, assign letters to numbers. For example, the letter A could represent the number 7, and you could write a message using only numbers. The recipient would use the same decoder to interpret your message. While many classic ciphers exist, their common knowledge makes them susceptible to decryption by anyone willing to put in the effort.

Ciphers

My favorite is the book cipher. To use this method, you select a book both you and your contact own. The code references the book to convey the message. You could specify a page number, line number, and word number. For instance, in the book *True Believer* by Jack Carr, stating “146, 24, 7” would point to the word “transmission.” This cipher is highly effective because only you and your contact know which book serves as the reference, and you can also encode individual letters for added complexity.

Finally, we arrive at steganography, a high-tech method of concealing messages. This software allows users to embed information within a carrier file, such as an image or video, which they can later extract. The original file doesn’t require alteration, making it hard to detect the hidden data. Essentially, you’re hiding your message in plain sight by subtly replacing tiny data bits in the file.

Secret Messages – Spy Craft 101

In 2010, the FBI disrupted a Russian spy ring and uncovered that Moscow had communicated with spies in the U.S. by encoding instructions in seemingly innocuous images on public websites. These covert messages arranged meetings, cash drops, laptop deliveries, and information exchanges.

This instance about the Russian spy ring sheds light on the clever and often creative ways people have communicated secretly throughout history. To be truly secret, you should present no reason for anyone to suspect you are sending messages. That is the true magic behind secret messages. If you want to send secret messages, then secret is the keyword! Now, you have a solid tool to start your spy career. Go invest in a tuxedo and trench coat and get to work.