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neobludragon
its not a secret society
The stated intent was to recruit "intelligent individuals" by presenting a series of puzzles which were to be solved, each in order, to find the next. The puzzles focused heavily on data security, cryptography, and steganography.[1][2][3]
Much speculation exists as to its purpose. Some claim it is an Alternate Reality Game (ARG), but the fact that no company or individual has taken credit or tried to monetize the puzzles has led some to feel that it is not. Some have speculated that it is a recruitment tool for the NSA, CIA, or MI6.[3][1]
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The ultimate outcome of both rounds of Cicada 3301 recruiting is still a mystery. The final known puzzles became both highly complex and individualized as the game unfolded, though at least one person has claimed to have "won", but verification from the creator(s) of the game was never made and the individuals making the claim have not been forthcoming with information.[3]
en.wikipedia.org...
but this is there marketing scheme.
ARG is normally not this complicated, so that a huge audience can participate. This Cicada organization makes it very very difficult for the normal person to even get started in this "challenge".
reply to post by ChaoticOrder
Exactly, the puzzles are specifically designed to weed out those people with a low level of cryptography and security knowledge, because they are trying to find smart code crackers and hackers.
Exactly, but for what purpose?
neobludragon
The only reason I think its ARG is because I don't think a secret society would allow all of its information to be posted on a wikipedia nor allow anyone who found out bout them live.
A global internet puzzle that requires advanced computer skills to solve has reopened online.
It is the third year running that the mysterious Cicada 3301 has appeared, with no clues as to who is behind the puzzle. Some believe it is a recruitment process for a government spy agency, while others believe it could be the work of a bank.