In the mid-to-late 1930s, Polish mathematicians created a number of methodologies to decrypt messages sent using the 3-rotor Enigma.

This talk will:

• Explain the considerable variety of known Enigma machines. Enigma is not just A Machine; it’s an entire family!
• Provide an introduction to cryptography starting at the Caesar Cipher and ending on focussing on the operation of one particular common Enigma machine variant.
• Discuss some of the Polish methodologies for cracking that machine, and finally focus on the Bomba created by three Polish mathematicians in the late 1930s, which was a device which took advantage of the message protocols used at that time, and for which the speaker has developed a working model using a mixture of ancient and modern techniques. A basic prototype will be described, and the subsequent working model will be demonstrated and explained in some detail. Some extensions to its original functionality will also be discussed.

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Speaker: Jerry McCarthy

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Location and Accessibility

The meeting will take place in the Physical Sciences building – access to the room from the foyer is via accessible lifts in the building.

There will be drinks and light refreshments outside in the foyer of the Physical Sciences building from 5.30pm.

Please see the Mid-Wales website for more details and the list of talk titles, at: http://midwales.bcs.org/

For overseas delegates who wish to attend the event please note that BCS does not issue invitation letters.