cipher-identifier

# Cipher Identifier

## Purpose
Systematically identify and analyze unknown ciphers, encodings, and encryption algorithms at the start of a cryptographic CTF challenge.

## Steps
1. **Character Set Analysis**: Inspect the characters in the ciphertext (e.g., base64, hexadecimal, or custom alphabets) to determine potential encodings.
2. **Pattern Recognition**: Look for common cipher signatures (e.g., repeating byte patterns for XOR, high entropy for modern encryption, or specific alphabet shifts for classical ciphers).
3. **Statistical Testing**: Run basic statistical tests (e.g., index of coincidence, entropy analysis, or frequency analysis) to determine the cipher type.

## Output
- Identified encoding or cipher type.
- Statistical analysis of the ciphertext.
- Suggested decryption or analysis tools.