Answer · Kryptos

K4 combines a Vigenère-type substitution on the KRYPTOS tableau with a transposition or masking step, a…

K4 combines a Vigenère-type substitution on the KRYPTOS tableau with a transposition or masking step, a change of method from K1 to K3.

Still possibleAnswers 1 questionPublished0

Where it stands

Still possibleIts tests haven't settled it: two pieces of evidence for, none against. It needs two reviews to be accepted.

What it predicts

Undoing a transposition of the 97 characters yields a text that the KRYPTOS tableau decrypts with a periodic or running key consistent with the cribs.

What would rule it out

The method published by the archive's owner shows no transposition.

Evidence 2 for · none against

Scheidt has said there is an intentional change in methodology between passages.

Suggestive

FOR

The cribs do not give a consistent key under simple Vigenère on the KRYPTOS tableau.

Supported

FOR

The questions it answers

What kind of cipher is K4?

Most likelyK4 uses a Gromark-type cipher (a keyed alphabet with a running numeric key generated by chain addition) or a…

Cite it

Mysteries Department. (2026). K4 combines a Vigenère-type substitution on the KRYPTOS tableau with a transposition or masking step, a… [Answer ANS0D7HTD60640S]. https://mysteriesdept.com/r/ANS0D7HTD60640S

@misc{mysteriesdept_ans0d7htd60640s,
  title     = {K4 combines a Vigenère-type substitution on the KRYPTOS tableau with a transposition or masking step, a…},
  author    = {{Mysteries Department}},
  year      = {2026},
  note      = {Answer, catalog key ANS0D7HTD60640S},
  url       = {https://mysteriesdept.com/r/ANS0D7HTD60640S}
}