K-Rail Fence Cipher Encryption/Decryption Algorithm

Authors: Leo Martinez III

Contact: leo.martinez@students.tamuk.edu

Created: Spring 2024

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This Python program implements the K-Rail Fence Cipher, a type of substitution cipher, for encrypting and decrypting messages. The K-Rail Fence Cipher involves creating a zigzag pattern of characters in a matrix with 'rails,' and then reading the characters in a specific order to generate the ciphertext or retrieve the original plaintext.

Encryption:

• The encryption method fills a matrix in a zigzag pattern based on the key (number of rails) and then extracts the characters to form the ciphertext.
• Spaces are ignored during encryption for better readability.

Decryption:

• The decryption method reconstructs the zigzag pattern with markers, fills the matrix with characters from the ciphertext, and reads the matrix to obtain the original plaintext.

Usage:

• The program prompts the user to choose between encryption ('e') or decryption ('d').
• Users enter the key (number of rails), ensuring it is an integer greater than or equal to 2.
• Example values for ciphertext and plaintext are provided for testing purposes.

Note:

• Program was created in Google Colab with Python 3.9

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Folder Contents:

• src: Folder containing the source code python script: main.py (use this file to run the program)
• README.md: Contains the most basic information about the project
• LICENSE: Contains license information in regards to the Github repository

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Additional Information:

• Everything needed along with additional installation information to run the program will be contained in this folder.