4/03/92

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                PKWARE Inc. announces the Encryption Contest 
                ============================================

    The strength of the encryption scheme in PKZIP has come under some 
    scrutiny lately.  There have been allegations that the encryption
    method used is open to defeat by a "brute force" attack: that is
    simply trying every possible combination of characters until you
    find the one that was used.
    
    In response, we offer this challenge.  Decrypt the file BREAKME.DAT
    in the enclosed encrypted ZIP file: PKCONTST.ZIP
    
    The first person to respond with the correct answer will win.  
    THE PRIZE TO THE FIRST PERSON WHO DOES IT WILL BE U.S.D. $1000.00
    
    This contest is subject to the following conditions:
    
    1) A winning entry consists of:
    
            A) The entire password (Hexadecimal values please)
            -or-
            B) The entire unencrypted file contained within the ZIP file.
    
       Determination of the correctness of the solution is soley the
       decision of PKWARE Inc.
    
    2) All entries must be received by mail, fax or uploaded to
       PKWARE BBS by 11:59pm CDT December 31st, 1992.  ENTRIES WILL
       NOT BE ACCEPTED BY PHONE.  Entries will be dated by:
    
            A) The date the entry was faxed to PKWARE or
    	       uploaded to the PKWARE BBS
    	-or-
	    B) The date that PKWARE Inc. receives the entry if
	       sent by mail, courrier, etc.
       
    3) Contest entrants are required to disclose the precise manner
       used to crack the password, including the methodolgy, tools,
       utilities and hardware used.
    
    4) In the event more than one winning entry is received simultaneously,
       the prize will be split equally among the winning entrants.
    
    5) Employees, agents and representatives of PKWARE Inc. and their
       families are not eligible.
    
    6) PKWARE Inc. is not liable for any delays in reception of entries
       whether due to human, electrical or mechanical failures or the
       like, nor for holidays, acts of god, or other situations.
    
    7) No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited by law.  It is the
       sole responsibility of the winner(s) to pay all applicable taxes.
    
    
    Hints:
    
    1) The file contained within the ZIP file is encrypted only once.
    
    2) The password is NO MORE than 7 characters long.
    
    3) The mechanical details of the encryption method used by PKZIP is
       detailed in the file APPNOTE.TXT which is distributed with every copy
       of PKZIP (any version).
    
    4) Password characters may fall anywhere within the 256 possible ASCII 
       characters.
    
    PKWARE Inc.
    9025 N. Deerwood Dr.
    Brown Deer, WI  53223
    USA 
    
    (414)354-8670  BBS
    (414)354-8559  FAX