A03: Crypto Treasure Hunt

EASY LEVEL

Your Mission

Decrypt the message below to find the location of your hidden clue. This puzzle uses a simple substitution cipher where each letter in the alphabet has been replaced with a different letter.

Encrypted Message

SQT XDVT VR QVZZTY WTYTR SQT
VYRSKLXSJK'R ZTRN VY SQT DJYRWDP
MKTTY UJJN

Cipher Key

Use this substitution key to decrypt the message. Each letter in the top row is replaced by the letter below it in the encrypted message.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M
W U X Z T A M Q V O N D P
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Y J M H K S E B I C L P R
💡 Hint: Start by finding the letter 'S' in the cipher key table. If 'S' appears in the encrypted message, what letter should it become in the plaintext? Work through each letter systematically.

Decryption Workspace

Work Area

Write your decryption work here. Show each step of your substitution:

S → ___
Q → ___
T → ___
(continue for all letters...)

Plaintext Solution

Decrypted Message

Write your final answer here:

Instructions

  1. Use the cipher key to replace each encrypted letter with its plaintext equivalent
  2. Write out the complete decrypted message in the space above
  3. Go to the location specified in the message to find your physical clue
  4. Bring the clue back to your desk and proceed to the verification worksheet
⏱️ Time Management: You should complete this puzzle in approximately 10-15 minutes. If you're stuck for more than 5 minutes, ask your instructor for a hint.

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