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ABSTRACT: The Enigma Machine is a complex electromechanical device used by the Germans in World War II to achieve what they thought was complete communications security. While the original machine weighed over 20 lbs, the central mechanics of the machine can be simulated manually by manipulating strips of paper. A Paper Enigma is presented that can be cut out of a single sheet of paper. The resulting simulator is compatible with the electromechanical original in that messages can be encoded on one, and decoded on the other. Copies of The Paper Enigma can be downloaded from http://mckoss.com/crypto/enigma.htm.
KEYWORDS: Enigma Machine, World War II, cryptography, simulation.
INTRODUCTION
Having been fascinated with codes and secret writing since I was young, I had a special fascination for the mechanical cryptographic machines I read about in Martin Gardner's Codes, Ciphers, and secret Writing, and in David Kahn's The Code Breakers. While there are several museums where you can see some of these devices they are usually placed behind a glass case where you cannot see for yourself how they work.
With the advent of the Internet, it became possible for people with obscure hobbies like collecting cryptographic machines to find others with similar interests and a market was born on sites like eBay. I first realized that I could own an Enigma of my own via a Bletchley Park email mailing list. A collector in Washington DC emailed the list indicating he had an Enigma to sell. We agreed on a price and I flew to Washington (from Seattle) to inspect the machine. We also took it to the National Cryptological Museum (http://www.nsa.gov/museum/) to check it for authenticity.
Satisfied, I returned home to Seattle with my first historical cryptographic machine. I found replacement bulbs and wired up a battery so I could put the machine though its paces. Over the years, I've enjoyed demonstrating the workings of the Enigma to friends, and I have taken it to local area schools to lecture on the workings and historical significance of the Enigma.
In 2003, I had the pleasure of lecturing to the MIT Alumni Club of Puget Sound. Knowing my audience would be very technical, I wanted to do more than have a simple show and tell. These folks...