This autumn, the Secret Communication exhibition will open its doors for the fifth time in Duivendrecht, a town just outside Amsterdam. If you have an interest in cryptography, this event is well worth a visit.
To my regret, the opening times are quite limited:
Many of the exhibits come from the remarkable collections of my friends Paul Reuvers and Marc Simons. I have attended all previous editions of the exhibition and always enjoyed the experience. The photo below was taken during my visit in 2019.
The exhibition regularly features an impressive selection of historical encryption devices, including several Enigma machines.
According to the organizers, this year’s exhibition will consist of five themed sections.
Section1: Enigma & Friends
This is undoubtedly the part I am most looking forward to. Dedicated to cipher machines and cryptographic technology, the exhibition will feature a number of rare and historically important devices. According to the website, visitors will be able to see a Beyer crypto machine, a Hagelin B-21, and a Siemens & Halske Geheimschreiber, among others.
Section 2: Project EASYCHAIR – “The Thing”
Many readers will recognize “The Thing” as the famous Soviet listening device hidden in a wooden plaque presented to the U.S. ambassador in Moscow in 1945. What made the device extraordinary was that it required no internal power supply. Instead, it was activated remotely by radio signals. The exhibition promises a live demonstration of this technology, which should provide an excellent opportunity to understand one of the most ingenious espionage tools ever developed.
Section 3: Hardware Security Modules (HSMs)
Unlike the historical exhibits, this section focuses on technology that remains highly relevant today. Hardware Security Modules, or HSMs, are tamper-resistant devices used to store cryptographic keys and perform sensitive cryptographic operations. Because I encounter HSMs regularly in my professional work, I am particularly interested in this part of the exhibition.
Section 4: Random Number Generators
Random numbers are one of the foundations of modern cryptography. This exhibition section explores how random numbers have been generated over the years, including some fascinating devices developed during the Cold War.
Section 5: Spy Radios
The fifth area is dedicated to radio-based intelligence and clandestine communications. Unlike Mark and Paul, I am neither an amateur radio operator nor a radio expert, but I am sure that some visitors will find interesting exhibits to explore.
Looking Forward to another visit
As in previous years, I plan to attend. If you are interested in cryptography, intelligence history, or secure communications, perhaps I’ll see you there.
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