I have the ciphertext and an encrypting program (with the key hardcoded in). How would I go about finding the key? Surely the availability of the encryptor must open up possibilities beyond brute-forcing it.
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I have the ciphertext and an encrypting program (with the key hardcoded in). How would I go about finding the key? Surely the availability of the encryptor must open up possibilities beyond brute-forcing it.
Yes knowing the algorithm may help in decoding the cypher text, but only if there is a flaw in the algorithm that may be exploited. (the good news is Playfair has some flaws that can be exploited)
Here are a few good starting points to read.
The second one is not what I would call a light read, but interesting if you’re into cyphers.