JargonFile/entries/rubber-hose cryptanalysis.txt
2014-04-26 16:54:15 +01:00

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rubber-hose cryptanalysis
n. [sci.crypt newsgroup] The technique of breaking a code or cipher by
finding someone who has the key and applying a rubber hose vigorously and
repeatedly to the soles of that luckless person's feet until the key is
discovered. Shorthand for any method of coercion: the originator of the term
drily noted that it can take a surprisingly short time and is quite
computationally inexpensive relative to other cryptanalysis methods. Compare
social engineering , brute force.