During the first UK lockdown, Kellogg Fellow Dr Reuben Binns built a replica WWII Enigma machine at home. During this event he will discuss the project again, as well as explain the updates he has made since its creation and his previous demonstrations.

The Enigma machine is a cypher device developed and used in the early- to mid-20th century to protect commercial, diplomatic, and military communication. It was employed extensively by Nazi Germany during World War II, in all branches of the German military.

This talk by Kellogg Fellow Reuben Binns will start with a presentation, including some background on the history of mechanical cypher machines like the Enigma which was broken at Bletchley park; why and how Reuben built his own during the Covid-19 lockdown, and updated it since; and some reflections on what this process taught him about the challenges of electromechanical computing, security and usability, and the changes in modern manufacturing and supply chains. This will be followed by a Q&A and a demonstration where you can see the homemade Enigma machine in action and have a go at encrypting and decrypting a message.

This event is in the Kellogg Hub and is open to all. Refreshments will be provided.