Exploring Historical Methods of Information Protection Before Passwords

Before the era of digital security measures, individuals employed a variety of creative techniques to safeguard their information. From invisible ink to ciphers, these methods reflect a time when data protection was both art and necessity.

After several attempts, I found myself frustrated with yet another password reset. Despite my best efforts to choose a memorable password, I had to change it multiple times. This issue is not unique to me; a recent survey by PC Mag revealed that many individuals experience similar frustrations, with half of the respondents reporting an average of five password resets each month.

In today's world, passwords feel essential, as if they have always existed, but they are actually a relatively recent development. According to Robert McMillan from Wired, we can trace the modern password back to Fernando Corbató of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), who introduced them in the early 1960s. At that time, computers were large, shared resources, necessitating a system to limit access to sensitive files.

Corbató's Compatible Time-Sharing System (CTSS) utilized passwords primarily for efficiency rather than security. However, it was not foolproof; in 1962, the system was hacked when Dr. Allan Scherr printed out the passwords, using them not for malicious purposes but to gain extra time on the system.

This observation led me to ponder how people in the past protected their secrets before the advent of passwords. The exploration revealed an array of methods including invisible ink, ciphers, ribbons, wax seals, and mask letters.

Let's begin with one of the oldest techniques.

Protecting Messages with a Cipher

The cipher is one of the earliest methods used for securing information, with origins dating back over 3,000 years. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) attributes its name to Julius Caesar, who utilized a straightforward letter-shifting technique.

For instance, Caesar would encrypt his messages by shifting the letters of the alphabet. By writing out the alphabet twice and shifting three letters to the right, "A" would become "D," and so forth. The Roman historian Suetonius documented this practice, stating that Caesar would encode confidential messages by altering the order of letters, making them unintelligible to unintended readers.

The CIA also notes that the Germans used a more complex version of this technique with their Enigma Machine during World War II. In addition, George Washington employed ciphers during the American Revolution, leading to the establishment of the Culper Spy Ring in 1778, which effectively transmitted critical information about British military movements.

Ribbons and Wax Seals

According to Rachel Bartgis from the National Archives in Maryland, colorful silk ribbons and wax seals were common for securing sensitive documents. Ribbons were often threaded through special slits in the paper, while seals made from beeswax provided a tamper-proof layer that was difficult to replicate.

While these methods enhanced document security, they were not infallible. Washington's operations included techniques for duplicating seals and reading intercepted letters, a practice mirrored by the British and the French.

Mask Letters

This encryption method, while appearing simple, involves a sophisticated approach to information concealment. The William Clements Library at the University of Michigan explains that mask letters contained a three-part message within a single document. A normal letter would obscure a secret message, which could only be revealed by overlaying a specific template.

One well-known example is a letter from Sir Henry Clinton, which contained misleading information on the surface but revealed critical military insights when examined with the appropriate mask.

Invisible Ink

Invisible ink has been in use for over 2,000 years, with its earliest mention attributed to Pliny the Elder. Lemon juice is one of the most effective types of invisible ink, disappearing as it dries but reappearing when heated. This technique was further refined with "sympathetic inks," which required two different chemicals to make the text visible again.

George Washington even had a facility dedicated to producing these inks, code-named "medicine." His Culper Ring and British operatives both used invisible ink to communicate secretly. A notable example is a letter from Benedict Arnold, which combined visible text with hidden messages.

Not as Frustrating as Our Ancestors' Methods

Though passwords can be a source of annoyance, they pale in comparison to the complex methods used by our ancestors for information protection. The next time you find yourself cursing during a password reset, consider the far more intricate processes of the past.

Imagine the hassle of concocting your own invisible ink or working with beeswax.
Picture the meticulous task of cutting slits in documents to bind them with unique ribbons.
Reflect on the time required to decipher a mask letter, needing both creativity and precision.

Ultimately, the frustration of modern password management might seem less daunting when compared to the challenges faced by historical figures like Caesar, George Washington, and Pliny the Elder, who would have gladly exchanged their problems for the simplicity of today’s passwords.