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SSCP · Question #1261

Some Unix systems use a very simple cipher called _________.

The correct answer is A. ROT13. ROT13 is a simple substitution cipher sometimes used on Unix systems, primarily for obscuring text rather than providing strong encryption.

Submitted by lukas.cz· Apr 18, 2026Cryptography

Question

Some Unix systems use a very simple cipher called _________.

Options

  • AROT13
  • BSOT14
  • CDES
  • DBlock
  • EStream

How the community answered

(63 responses)
  • A
    92% (58)
  • B
    2% (1)
  • C
    5% (3)
  • E
    2% (1)

Why each option

ROT13 is a simple substitution cipher sometimes used on Unix systems, primarily for obscuring text rather than providing strong encryption.

AROT13Correct

ROT13 (rotate by 13 places) is a well-known, simple letter substitution cipher often found or referenced in Unix environments, primarily for obscuring text in online forums or email to prevent casual reading, rather than for strong cryptographic security. It shifts each letter 13 places forward in the alphabet.

BSOT14

SOT14 is not a recognized simple cipher used in Unix systems.

CDES

DES (Data Encryption Standard) is a block cipher that is much more complex and computationally intensive than a simple substitution cipher like ROT13, and while used on Unix, it's not described as a 'very simple cipher' in the same vein.

DBlock

'Block' is a category of ciphers (block cipher), not a specific simple cipher itself.

EStream

'Stream' is a category of ciphers (stream cipher), not a specific simple cipher itself.

Concept tested: Simple Unix ciphers

Topics

#ROT13#Simple Ciphers#Unix Security#Obfuscation

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