First Russian Museum of Cryptography Opens in Moscow
Cryptography is the science - and art - of encrypting communications so that no one can read, hear or understand what is being written or said.
It is believed that the use of cryptography goes back to the Egyptians, who hid messages in their hieroglyphs. It began with simple replacements - such as numbers for letters - but is now one of the most sophisticated systems that combines mathematics and cutting-edge technology.
The museum covers the history of hidden communication from the end of the 19th century up to today.
It is believed that the use of cryptography goes back to the Egyptians, who hid messages in their hieroglyphs. It began with simple replacements - such as numbers for letters - but is now one of the most sophisticated systems that combines mathematics and cutting-edge technology.
The museum covers the history of hidden communication from the end of the 19th century up to today.
The museum displays a unique collection of cryptographic equipment and archival materials.
Kirill Zykov / Moskva News Agency
The exhibition presents the history of cryptography in reverse order, starting with today. Here a poster warns not to speak openly on the phone: spies love blabbermouths.
Kirill Zykov / Moskva News Agency
The first work in cryptography in the Soviet Union was to develop secure telephone communication lines.
Kirill Zykov / Moskva News Agency
Today the work to secure communications is programmed, but it originally was done by machine.
Kirill Zykov / Moskva News Agency
The museum is hands-on and interactive, designed to let visitors see how equipment works.
Kirill Zykov / Moskva News Agency
Cryptography functions virtually everywhere in contemporary life.
Kirill Zykov / Moskva News Agency
But in the end, it all comes down to mixing up letters in words to conceal meaning.
Kirill Zykov / Moskva News Agency
The museum was established by the company "Kryptonite," which supports the Russian IT industry.
Kirill Zykov / Moskva News Agency
The building that houses the exhibition was built in 1885 as a children's home. During WWII it was a military hospital and later became the "sharashka" where prisoners developed the first secure telephone communication lines.
Kirill Zykov / Moskva News Agency
