Fragmentary Cryptosystems and Z32: A Discussion Note in the Philosophy of Cryptography
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This paper examines the Zodiac killer’s unsolved 32-symbol cipher (Z32) as an example of what we call a fragmentary cryptosystem. Using a simple simulated annealing algorithm with quadgram scoring, stable anchors such as “TEST HERE” and the digit cluster 6–0–1 emerge consistently. These anchors align with the Zodiac’s own reference to “radians + # inches” on a Mt. Diablo map, suggesting hybrid instructions that point toward San Francisco police sites. Rather than a solvable substitution ci-pher, Z32 appears designed to produce local intelligibility without global resolution. We argue this illustrates a broader philosophical point: cryptographic systems may embody ambiguity by design, functioning as instruments of uncertainty rather than hidden communication.
Authors: Sanctus, Joshua, Varda, Shubhang
Language: English
Subfield: Artificial Intelligence
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7085603324
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