Editing Classical cipher (section)

{{Short description|Disused cipher that was used historically}}
{{More footnotes|date=November 2010}}
In [[cryptography]], a '''classical cipher''' is a type of [[cipher]] that was used historically but for the most part, has fallen into disuse. In contrast to modern cryptographic algorithms, most classical ciphers can be practically computed and solved by hand. However, they are also usually very simple to break with modern technology. The term includes the simple systems used since Greek and Roman times, the elaborate Renaissance ciphers, World War II cryptography such as the [[Enigma machine]] and beyond.

In contrast, modern [[strong cryptography]] relies on new algorithms and computers developed since the 1970s.