[sci.crypt newsgroup] The technique of breaking a code or cipher by
finding someone who has the key and applying a rubber hose vigorously
and repeatedly to the soles of that luckless person's feet until the
key is discovered. Shorthand for any method of coercion: the
originator of the term drily noted that it "can take a surprisingly
short time and is quite computationally inexpensive" relative to
other cryptanalysis methods. Compare {social engineering}, {brute
force}.
[glossary]
[Reference(s) to this entry by made by: {brute force}{social engineering}]