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Cryptography, as stated in the forum description, has been around since ancient times when the written form of communication was used. Civilizations realized early on that they have messages that must be sent to other people that must be hidden from eyes that should not see the message.

While technology has drastically advanced this concept, the principle has been around since early civilizations. One of the most famous devices where cryptography was used was the Engima device created by the Germans after World War 1.

It was initially created for commercial purposes but it was heavily used during World War 2 to send encrypted messages between the Axis powers so that the Allies were unable to decipher the messages. Per an article in the New York Times the author shares, "German military assumed there simply wasn't enough time to break it," (NY Times, 2015). Thanks to the help of Alan Turing, a World War II code-breaking hero, the Allies were able to decipher the Engima machine which helped lead to winning World War II. One of the first examples of cryptography in history occurred in Mesopotamia around 1500 B.C.

Per an article entitled The Long and Winding History of Encryption, the author shares, "One very well written-up and documented cuneiform tablet in Mesopotamia, found around 1500 B.C. It was an encrypted message which craftsmen camouflaged the recipe for a pottery glaze that was a highly coveted item as the time," (Waddell, 2016).

I imagine it was very important to keep that recipe a secret to prevent it from being used by everyone. If all of Mesopotamia knew how to create the pottery glaze it would no longer be coveted. Unfortunately there is no way to truly prevent cryptography from being used for evil.

People will always want to send hidden messages whether they be for malicious purposes or simply to protect someone's livelihood. Some of the most famous examples of cryptography being used is during times of War where both sides are trying to send their forces messages without the opposition knowing what they are doing. Unless the world stops going to war, cryptography will always serve an evil purpose.

In the Bible Ephesians 4:25 teaches us, "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth which his neighbor, for we are members one of another." If everyone in the world followed this teaching, cryptography would serve no evil purpose because everyone in the world would be completely transparent.

References: World War II's Greatest Hero: The True Story of Alan Turing. (2015, February 05). Retrieved March 20, 2018,

Waddell, K. (2016, January 13). The Long and Winding History of Encryption. Retrieved March 29, 2018