Chapter 1. The Cryptographic Mathematics of Enigma-1

Dr. A. Ray Miller

The Enigma cipher machine had the confidence of German forces who depended upon its security. This misplaced confidence was due in part to the large key space the machine provided. This paper derives for the first time the exact number of theoretical cryptographic key settings and machine conjigurations for the Enigma cipher machine. It also calculates the number of practical key settings Allied cryptanalysts were faced with daily throughout World War II. Finally, it shows the relative contribution each component of the Enigma added to the overall strength of the machine.

ULTRA was the greatest secret of World War II after the atom bomb. With the exception of knowledge about ...

Get The Cryptographic Mathematics of Enigma now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.