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FauxCrypt - A Text Obfuscation Program

FauxCrypt is an algorithm for modification of a plaintext document that leaves it generally readable by a person but not readily searched or indexed by machine. The algorithm employs a dictionary substitution of selected words, and an obfuscating transposition of letters in other words. The obfuscation is designed to leave the words understandable, although they are badly spelled. FauxCrypt is free, open source software, with source code available.

fauxcrypt is an alhroitgm for modifictaion of a planitext documnet taht laeves it gneerally raedable by a person but not raedily saercehd or idnexed by macihne. the alhroitgm empyols a dicitnoary subtsituiton of selected wrods, and an obfusctanig trnasposition of lteters in ohter wrods. the obfusctaion is dseigned to laeve the wrods udnertsnadable, aghtuolh tehy are badly slelpde. fauxcrypt is fere, open suorce sfotwaer, with suorce code available.

Algorithm for FauxCrypt:

  • 1) Words from a selected dictionary are replaced by equivalents and marked as not subsequently modifiable. (e.g., the = teh;Not implemented in this version)
  • 2) First and last letters of words are unchanged.
  • 3) Vowels in digraphs are swapped (oe -> eo) and marked as not subsequently modifiable.
  • 4) The order of vowels and consonants in a word are kept the same, but some vowels are shifted forwards or backwards.
  • 5) A single pair of consonants are swapped in words larger than N. This is best done when a "riser" and a "dangler" are shifted;e.g., dg becomes gd).
  • 6) For extreme obfuscation, a consonant or vowel can be moved quite a bit up or down. (Not implemented in this version)

Common english digraphs, implemented in this version:
th he in er an re nd at on nt ha es st en ed to it ou ea hi is or ti as te et ng of

Less common english digraphs, not implemented in this version:
al de se le sa si ar ve ra ld ur

Risers: b d f h k l t
Danglers: g j p q y

Available for Download


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Books by Dev Gualtieri

Thanks to Cory Doctorow of BoingBoing for his favorable review of Secret Codes!


Secret Codes & Number Games by Dev Gualtieri
Secret Codes & Number Games by Dev Gualtieri, paperback

The Amazing Number Pi by Dev Gualtieri
The Amazing Number Pi by Dev Gualtieri, paperback