Friedrich Kasiski was a notable figure in the field of cryptanalysis, born on November 29, 1805, in Schlüsselburg, near Berlin, and died on May 22, 1881. He is best known for his contributions to the study of cryptographic methods, particularly for the development of the Kasiski Examination, a method used for breaking polyalphabetic ciphers like the Vigenère Cipher.
Kasiski joined the Prussian Army in 1823, where he rose to the rank of captain. His military career provided him with the background and discipline necessary for his later cryptographic work. After retiring from the army in 1853, Kasiski turned his attention to mathematics and cryptography, areas where he made his most significant contributions.
In 1863, Kasiski published his seminal work, "Die Geheimschriften und die Dechiffrir-Kunst" (The Secret Writings and the Art of Deciphering). This book is famous for introducing the Kasiski Examination:
The work of Kasiski laid foundational groundwork in the field of cryptanalysis, influencing future cryptographers and contributing to the development of modern cryptographic techniques. His method was an early example of frequency analysis applied to polyalphabetic ciphers, paving the way for more sophisticated methods in the 20th century.