Cicada 3301
Cicada 3301 is a name given to a set of complex Internet puzzles. The first Internet puzzle started on January 5, 2012 and ran for approximately one month. A second round began exactly one year later on January 5, 2013, and is possibly still ongoing. The stated intent was to recruit "intelligent individuals" by presenting a series of puzzles which were to be solved, each in order, to find the next. The puzzles focused heavily on data security, cryptography, and steganography.[1][2][3][4]
Much speculation exists as to its purpose. Some claim it is an Alternate Reality Game (ARG), but the fact that no company or individual has taken credit or tried to monetize the puzzles has led some to feel that it is not. Some have speculated that it is a recruitment tool for the NSA, CIA, or MI6.[3][1] However, no evidence exists to support this claim.
Background
In January 2012, an image was posted to 4chan's "random" board containing a message stating that the poster was looking for intelligent individuals and inviting users to find a hidden message in the image which would lead them on the road to finding them. This image was the first puzzle in the series. The image was reposted by persons to other boards and sites, increasing internet interest in the ARG. People attempting to solve the puzzles grouped together on the mibbit and n0v4 IRC networks, with splinter groups making use of private IRC channels, forums, and Skype groups.
Resolution
The ultimate outcome of both rounds of Cicada 3301 recruiting is still a mystery. The final known puzzles became both highly complex and individualized as the game unfolded, though at least one person has claimed to have "won", but verification from the creator(s) of the game was never made and the individuals making the claim have not been forthcoming with information.[3][4]
Types of clues
The Cicada 3301 clues have spanned many different communication mediums including Internet, telephone, original music, bootable Linux CDs, digital images, and physical paper signs. In addition to using many varying techniques to encrypt, encode, or hide data; these clues have referenced a wide variety of books, poetry, artwork, and music. [citation needed] Each clue has been signed by the same GnuPG private key to confirm authenticity.[citation needed] Among others, these referenced works include:
- The Mabinogion
- Mayan Numerals
- Agrippa (a book of the dead), a novel by William Gibson
- The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, a book by William Blake
- Liber AL vel Legis by Aleister Crowley
- Ecclesiastes
- The Lady of Shalott, a painting by John William Waterhouse
Physical locations of clues
Throughout the testing, multiple clues have required participants to travel to various physical locations to retrieve the next clue. These clue locations have included the following cities:
- Annapolis, Maryland, USA
- Chino, California, USA
- Columbus, Georgia, USA
- Erskineville, Australia
- Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
- Granada, Spain
- Greenville, Texas, USA
- Haleiwa, Hawaii, USA
- Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Miami, Florida, USA
- Moscow, Russia
- New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Okinawa, Japan
- Paris, France
- Portland, Oregon, USA
- Seattle, Washington, USA
- Seoul, South Korea
- Warsaw, Poland
Speculation that the Cicada 3301 organization is large and/or well-funded is supported by the existence of clues in a large number of locations, all quite distant from one another. [3][4]
Allegations of illegal activity
Authorities from the Los Andes Province of Chile claim that Cicada 3301 is a "hacker group" and engaged in illegal activities. Cicada 3301 responded to this claim by issuing a PGP-signed statement denying any involvement in illegal activity.[5]
See also
References
- ^ a b "The internet mystery that has the world baffled". Daily Telegraph. 25 November 2013. Archived from the original on 25 November 2013. Retrieved 25 November 2013.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Is mystery internet challenge a recruiting tool for the CIA?". Channel 4 News. 27 November 2013. Archived from the original on 27 November 2013. Retrieved 27 November 2013.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c d Lipinski, Jed. "Chasing the Cicada: Exploring the Darkest Corridors of the Internet". Mental_Floss. Archived from the original on 25 November 2013. Retrieved 17 December 2012.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c Ernst, Douglas (November 26, 2013). "Secret society seeks world's brightest: Recruits navigate 'darknet' filled with terrorism, drugs". The Washington Times. Retrieved 13 December 2013.
- ^ Andes Online. "PDI advierte sobre nueva modalidad de estafa por internet a través de google". Andes Online.