Cipher

In cryptography, a cipher (or cypher) is an algorithm for performing encryption or decryption—a series of well-defined steps that can be followed as a procedure. An alternative, less common term is encipherment. To encipher or encode is to convert information into cipher or code. In common parlance, 'cipher' is synonymous with 'code', as they are both a set of steps that encrypt a message; however, the concepts are distinct in cryptography, especially classical cryptography.

Codes generally substitute different length strings of characters in the output, while ciphers generally substitute the same number of characters as are input. There are exceptions and some cipher systems may use slightly more, or fewer, characters when output versus the number that were input.

Codes operated by substituting according to a large codebook which linked a random string of characters or numbers to a word or phrase. For example, "UQJHSE" could be the code for "Proceed to the following coordinates." When using a cipher the original information is known as plaintext, and the encrypted form as ciphertext. The ciphertext message contains all the information of the plaintext message, but is not in a format readable by a human or computer without the proper mechanism to decrypt it.

Cipher (newuniversal)

Cipher (Jennifer Swann) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character appears in the newuniversal imprint of Marvel Comics, and is one of the four initial superhumans created by the White Event in 2006 (the others being Justice, Nightmask, and Star Brand). newuniversal, designated Earth-555 in the Marvel Comics multiverse, is a re-imagining of the New Universe imprint from the late 1980s. The name Cipher actually refers to two things: a powerful extra-dimensional glyph (tattoo) that confers superhuman powers on a sentient being, and the name of the being that wields the glyph. Cipher is a new superhuman created by Warren Ellis and Salvador Larroca who were inspired by the original Spitfire and the nature of the Star Brand itself (as an extra-dimensional tool of near-unlimited power), combined with strong conceptual ties to Iron Man.

Fictional character biography

Project Spitfire

Essentially nothing is known about Dr. Jennifer Swann’s early life, or where she earned her doctorate. Sometime in the late 1990s or early 2000s she was hired by the NSA to work on Project Spitfire, taking her father’s previous position there. Jennifer continues the work her father, Dr. Joseph Swann, began in 1959 on the H.E.X. (Human Enhancement eXperimental) initiative, an armored exoskeleton that is intended to enable its wearer to combat superhumans with a wide variety of weapons. The original suit was created by Anthony Stark in 1959 who became Cipher in the "The Fireworks" event in 1955, and is an alternate version of Tony Stark (Iron Man) from the mainstream Marvel Universe. Prior to the events in newuniversal #1, neither Jennifer nor her father were able to perfect the design, both suffering broken bones during testing.

Cipher (band)

Cipher is an American hardcore punk, metalcore band that formed in 1996 in Long Beach, New York. Cipher's core line-up consisted of Maurice "Moe" Mitchell (vocals), Danny "Cipher" Bobis (drums), Chris Fry (guitar) and Krys Maniecki (bass).

History

The band's earliest demo's released when they were High School Juniors. These releases were marked by a noticeably more metal and progressive sound than their contemporaries in the Long Island Hardcore scene. Another distinct element of Cipher's sound was Moe Ciphers vocals which were expressed as rhythmic, staccato yells rather than screams which drew some comparisons to Hip hop. Cipher's music addressed socio-political activism, hardcore scene politics and identity.

Later releases became progressively pointed in their political critiques and complex in their musical structure. The release of the EP Protoculture marks a distinct change in artistic direction for Cipher. The four song recording was the first time Cipher put together a compilation of work written for the express purpose of being released as a unit. The outcome was a treatment on race, the trans-Atlantic slave trade, spiritual indecision, and the role of the individual in changing her/his reality.

Spear

A spear is a pole weapon consisting of a shaft, usually of wood, with a pointed head. The head may be simply the sharpened end of the shaft itself, as is the case with fire hardened spears, or it may be made of a more durable material fastened to the shaft, such as flint, obsidian, iron, steel or bronze. The most common design for hunting or combat spears since ancient times has incorporated a metal spearhead shaped like a triangle, lozenge, or leaf. The heads of fishing spears usually feature barbs or serrated edges.

The word spear comes from the Old English spere, from the Proto-Germanic speri, from a Proto-Indo-European root *sper- "spear, pole". Spears can be divided into two broad categories: those designed for thrusting in melee combat and those designed for throwing (usually referred to as javelins).

The spear has been used throughout human history both as a hunting and fishing tool and as a weapon. Along with the axe, knife, and club it is one of the earliest and most important tools developed by early humans. As a weapon, it may be wielded with either one hand or two. It was used in virtually every conflict up until the modern era, where even then it continues on in the form of the bayonet, and is probably the most commonly used weapon in history.

Spear (comics)

Spear is the name of a supervillain in Marvel Comics.

Publication history

Spear first appeared in Power Man #28 and was created by Don McGregor and Frank Robbins. His full name was revealed in Fear Itself: Fellowship of Fear #1.

Fictional character biography

Jasper Daniels is the brother of a convict named Jack Daniels who was dying of an inoperable brain tumor. When Jack couldn't survive the early "Power Man" experiments, Spear blamed Dr. Noah Burstein and began developing identities that would serve him in his quest to avenge his brother.

Spear watched Noah Burnstein from the shadows. Noah noticed him, but did not say anything to Power Man.

Spear fired on Dr. Burnstein while he was walking with Luke Cage and Claire Foster so that he can fight with Luke Cage. Despite Luke Cage's best efforts, Spear managed to do a near fatal shot on Dr. Burnstein and escaped. Shortly after the attack, Spear shot a hollow shaft with a message to Dr. Burnstein confirming his attack on him.

Spear later tracked Luke Cage's movements and was on hand to rescue his brother Mangler after an ill-advised attack on Luke Cage. While Mangler distracted Luke Cage, Spear sent another message to Dr. Burnstein and once again decided to let him live. He left a message for him to meet him at the East River pier. When Dr. Burnstein did so, he was speared by Spear in front of Luke Cage's eyes. Two young adults witnessed Spear escaping the pier. Spear then attempted to rescue Mangler from police custody which was thwarted by Luke Cage. Not wanting to lose another son, Spear's mother tipped off Luke Cage and Quentin Chase as to his whereabouts. Luke Cage and Quentin Chase confronted Spear at his tenement apartment. He engaged Luke Cage in a running battle which took to the top of an outbound bus which crashed into the Hudson River. After knocking out Spear, Luke Cage handed him over to the police.

Spear (surname)

Spear is a surname. Notable people with the surname include: