Decrypting Binary Code to English Text

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around decrypting a binary code into English text. Participants explore various methods of decoding, the context of the binary code, and its potential meanings, including references to a known entity, CICADA 3301. The conversation includes elements of exploratory reasoning and technical explanation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a binary string and seeks help in decrypting it.
  • Questions arise about the origin of the binary code and the reasons for its decryption.
  • Some participants suggest it might be ASCII or another base, while others express uncertainty about the encoding method.
  • A participant shares a link to a Facebook account related to the binary code, indicating a possible connection.
  • Another participant proposes using an online translator for decoding.
  • There are discussions about the results of decoding attempts, including a string of numbers and references to "CICADA 3301".
  • Participants correct each other on the decoding process, noting specific ASCII values and their meanings.
  • A later reply mentions that the decoded message includes "CICADA 3301" and references a secret organization.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views on the decoding methods and interpretations of the binary code. There is no consensus on a single approach or outcome, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best method to decode the binary string.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the possibility of different encoding bases, such as ternary, but lean towards binary due to the digits present. The conversation includes corrections and refinements of earlier claims about the decoding process without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in cryptography, binary encoding, or those curious about the CICADA 3301 phenomenon may find this discussion relevant.

JuanBarron
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00110100 00110011 00100000 00110100 00111001 00100000 00110100 00110011 00100000 00110100 00110001 00100000 00110100 00110100 00100000 00110100 00110001 00100000 00110010 00110000 00100000 00110011 00110011 00100000 00110011 00110011 00100000 00110011 00110000 00100000 00110011 00110001
 
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Can you give us some context here?

Why do you need it decrypted?

Where did you come across this sample?

Is this a homework assignment?
 
A friend gave it to me.
 
Okay where did he get it? And why do you want it decrypted?
 
I don't know where he got it.
He just said if I can decrypt but didn't give me any clues.
 
It looks like binary, I tried the ASCII chart but gave me more numbers,
it could be ternary or another base.
 
I did a google search on the first three bytes and got this crazy Facebook account

https://www.facebook.com/01100001-01100100-01101000-01100101-01101001-01110010-1421042178127360/timeline/
 
It doesn't look like English, and my friend is white.
 
  • #10
There are others online. I suspect it’s just ascii or ascii in reverse.

The google search says folks try to talk Binary online.
 
  • #12
I got a string of numbers
43 49 43 41 44 41 20 33 33 30 31
 
  • #13
Well have fun with it. There’s nothing more we can do.
 
  • #14
:(
:(
:(
 
  • #15
Perhaps if you "decode" via ASCII again the result will make some kind of sense to you (if not then try google what you find).
 
  • #16
I got this in the second layer

Base16: CICADA 3301
 
  • #17
JuanBarron said:
it could be ternary or another base.
Possible, but since the only digits present are 0 and 1, it's most likely binary and not ternary or some other base.

JuanBarron said:
I got this in the second layer
Base16: CICADA 3301
The CICADA part seems promising...
 
  • #19
JuanBarron said:
00110100 00110011 00100000 00110100 00111001 00100000 00110100 00110011 00100000 00110100 00110001 00100000 00110100 00110100 00100000 00110100 00110001 00100000 00110010 00110000 00100000 00110011 00110011 00100000 00110011 00110011 00100000 00110011 00110000 00100000 00110011 00110001

Groups 3,6,9,12... are encoded directly in ASCII, 00100000=(20h), the Space character in the above string.
Other groups are paired such that they are the ASCII encoding of the Hex digits of an ASCII character. The first character is:
00110100 > ASCII '4'
00110011 > ASCII '3'
= 43h
= 'C' in ASCII
Then followed by a Space. (00100000 > 20h)

If you represent the Space character as "_" the message reads: C_AI_C_A_D_A__3_3_0_1 (note the two spaces before the first "3")

Edit: fixed second character in decode: was 'A' should be 'I'.
 
Last edited:
  • #20
Tom.G said:
the message reads: C_A_C_A_D_A__3_3_0_1
You're off a bit. The second letter comes from groups 4 and 5, which are 34 and 39 (in hex) which are the ASCII codes for 4 and 9 (decimal). As a hex number, 0x49 is the ASCII code for I (upper case i). The OP reported this in post #16.
JuanBarron said:
Base16: CICADA 3301
 
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  • #21
Mark44 said:
You're off a bit. The second letter comes from groups 4 and 5, which are 34 and 39 (in hex) which are the ASCII codes for 4 and 9 (decimal). As a hex number, 0x49 is the ASCII code for I (upper case i).
Oops! You are right. Post has been fixed. Thanks!
 
  • #22
My friend gave me the answer and it it CICADA 3301.
He said that he wants to be part of the secret organization.
 

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