What Techniques Can Help Decode This Complex Cipher?

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The discussion focuses on decoding a complex cipher presented in a specific format, with initial attempts at frequency analysis suggesting it may not be a simple substitution cipher. Participants recommend conducting a detailed frequency analysis, including single, di-graph, and tri-graph counts, to identify patterns. One contributor identifies the cipher as a rail fence cipher with a depth of three, providing a potential solution by reconstructing the message. The last letter "N" is speculated to be part of the key, but its exact usage remains unclear. The conversation emphasizes the importance of analyzing letter frequencies and considering context clues to aid in deciphering.
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Need help to solve this cipher...

Hi everyone,

ive been given the following cipher:

HSRFB YEIOG MVMMA RDETD AEOSE UIOII GHRAL BLIPE
DIEJL TOBOR PALBT AWIAP TEATO DOTDU DWRIL KYUOI
EYOEO YAIYN FINSH LSWRS FIENU ROWRI JSLKT SYMAL
NWTTE OKNIL EAKIE NEEDN EAWTJ SSUEI EHMVE IMTES
IADLI LEAKH MGCOD SRNIA ILWSE NEDET VLTFL DETAO
OLWNE DTEAS IIHCD BCKDN CYHUN KEIGH HNLBC EIRFG N

(6 lines, 8 blocks on each line, 5 characters in each block, except last line having letter N standing alone)

and no hint is given. I've tried to do frequency analysis, it shows that letter E appears the most (29 times), then I (25) and then L,A,T,O. So i guess it is unlikely to be substitution cipher.

But then i don't know what to do next,ive tried transposition, but it didnt show any useful message.

could anyone give me some advice to solve this cipher?

thanks,

PS: i reckon the last letter N,which stands separately from the block, could be the key,but i can't figure out how to use it.
 
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everQuest said:
Hi everyone,

ive been given the following cipher:

HSRFB YEIOG MVMMA RDETD AEOSE UIOII GHRAL BLIPE
DIEJL TOBOR PALBT AWIAP TEATO DOTDU DWRIL KYUOI
EYOEO YAIYN FINSH LSWRS FIENU ROWRI JSLKT SYMAL
NWTTE OKNIL EAKIE NEEDN EAWTJ SSUEI EHMVE IMTES
IADLI LEAKH MGCOD SRNIA ILWSE NEDET VLTFL DETAO
OLWNE DTEAS IIHCD BCKDN CYHUN KEIGH HNLBC EIRFG N


(6 lines, 8 blocks on each line, 5 characters in each block, except last line having letter N standing alone)

and no hint is given. I've tried to do frequency analysis, it shows that letter E appears the most (29 times), then I (25) and then L,A,T,O. So i guess it is unlikely to be substitution cipher.

But then i don't know what to do next,ive tried transposition, but it didnt show any useful message.

could anyone give me some advice to solve this cipher?

thanks,

PS: i reckon the last letter N,which stands separately from the block, could be the key,but i can't figure out how to use it.

Try to pin down the the language. Let's assume english. Run a single letter frequency count. If no luck, try di-graph then tri-graph frequency counts...look at the results carefully. I ran a frquency count on your message and it does follow the common pattern of a substatution cipher. Suggest you compair your frequency analysis with the letter frequency analysis of other languages. Becasue the frequency count show preference to certain letters over others, suggest this is not a machine cipher (Enigma), or an enciphered code (Dictionary Code)... If this was from a friend...what prob. words or subject should we look for? Hummm...Interesting! I shall endeavor to assist. At least I got you started. Keep me posted! BlackChamber
 


It's the railfence cypher with a depth of 3. Since this was a post necroed from 2006 I'm thinking I'm not spoiling anything by giving it away. With the spaces put back in:

he last words of ted bundy were id like you to give my love to my family and friends the last words of aileen wuornos were id just like to say I am sailing with the rock and ill be back like independence day with jesus june like the movie big mothership and all ill be back the magic word is frangipanit

For example, at the start:
Code:
h . . . s . . . r
. e . a . t . o .
. . l . . . w . .

Only real question is if the t at the end is part of the password or goes in front of the "he" at the start to make "the". Probably, since "frangipani" is a real word.
 
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