Question

What is the unicity distance (as an integer) in terms of alphabet characters for the affine cipher?

a) 25
b) 26
c) 52
d) 256

Answer 1

The unicity distance for the affine cipher is 26 (b).

Step-by-step explanation:

The unicity distance in terms of alphabet characters for the affine cipher is 26 (b).

The affine cipher is a type of substitution cipher that uses a mathematical function to encrypt and decrypt messages. It is defined by the equation:

E(x) = (ax + b) mod 26

Where x represents the plaintext character, a and b are the affine cipher parameters, and mod 26 ensures the result falls within the range of alphabet characters.