Cicada 3301
Overview
Cicada 3301 is a pseudonym used by an anonymous organization that on three occasions has posted a set of complex puzzles and alternate reality games to recruit codebreakers from the public. The first internet puzzle started on January 4, 2012, and ran for approximately one month. A second round began one year later on January 4, 2013, and a third round following the confirmation of a fresh clue posted on Twitter on January 4, 2014. The stated intent was to recruit "intelligent individuals" by presenting a series of puzzles which were to be solved. No new puzzles were published on January 4, 2015. However, a new clue was posted on Twitter on January 5, 2016.
History
The first puzzle of Cicada 3301 was posted on 4chan's /b/ board in 2012. The post, made by a user with the ID 3301, contained a steganographic image with a message telling viewers to find the image. The message was encrypted with a Caesar cipher, one of the simplest encryption techniques. The puzzle quickly escalated in complexity, involving a wide range of skills such as number theory, classical music, cyberpunk literature and medieval manuscripts.
Puzzles
The puzzles focused heavily on data security, cryptography, and steganography. It has been called "the most elaborate and mysterious puzzle of the internet age" and is listed as one of the "top 5 eeriest, unsolved mysteries of the Internet" by The Washington Post, and much speculation exists as to its function. Many have speculated that the puzzles are a recruitment tool for the NSA, CIA, MI6, a "Masonic conspiracy" or a cyber mercenary group. Others have claimed Cicada 3301 is an alternate reality game. However, no company or individual has taken credit for it or attempted to monetize it.
Recruitment
The stated purpose of the puzzles each year has been to recruit "highly intelligent individuals", though the ultimate purpose remains unknown. Some have claimed that Cicada 3301 is a secret society with the goal of improving cryptography, privacy and anonymity. Others argue that it is a cult or religion.
Legacy
Cicada 3301 has been called the "internet's most elaborate and mysterious puzzle", with The Washington Post listing it as one of the "top 5 eeriest, unsolved mysteries of the Internet".