One morning in 2012, a single image shared on 4chan took the entire internet by storm. Hidden messages were discovered within the image. As the codes were cracked, new clues emerged. Participants were directed to various locations around the world. This mysterious puzzle went down in history as Cicada 3301. To this day, it remains unknown who created it and for what purpose.
Upon opening with a visual text editor, codes that redirected to another link surfaced. This link contained hidden information that could be deciphered with a software called Outguess. The subsequent subreddit provided clues in the form of a book and a phone number.
Those who dialed the number were met with a voicemail recorded with the signature '3301'. This message hinted at three prime numbers: 503, 509, and 3301. When multiplied, these numbers led to the website 845145127.com. The site featured a countdown timer, and upon reaching zero, 14 different coordinates across the globe were shared.
QR codes were found plastered on electricity poles and walls at these points. The codes unlocked new passwords, and only those who progressed quickly earned the right to access a secret website. However, the site quickly shut down, broadcasting the message, 'We're not looking for followers, we're looking for the best.'
Meanwhile, fake clues started circulating on the internet. To distinguish the originals, Cicada began authenticating their real messages by adding a PGP signature.
This time, the clues pointed towards a mysterious book called 'Liber Primus'. The book, written in the Runic alphabet, consisted of 74 pages. However, to date, only 19 pages have been deciphered. The book delved into themes of freedom, privacy, and opposition to authority.
Many people perceived this book as Cicada's manifesto. Although no new puzzle appeared in 2015, in 2016 Cicada published an image confirming that the decoding of Liber Primus should continue.
While some suspect intelligence agencies like the CIA or MI6, it was found that the methods of these organizations did not align. Banks were also ruled out as the puzzles were based on principles of privacy and anti-authoritarianism. Most experts believe it to be an ideological underground organization.
A warning message was last published in 2017, cautioning to be wary of false clues and to trust only messages signed with PGP. Since that day, there has been silence. Cicada 3301 continues to be talked about as one of the most mysterious communities on the internet.