Researchers reveal method to encrypt text in plain sight

Researchers have developed a new way to hide secret messages in plain sight. The system, dubbed FontCode, works by altering the shape of font in a given text in a way that is imperceptible to the reader – and, it works for just about any common font. While it isn't detectable to human eyes, the messages hidden in a FontCode text would be instantly spotted by a computer, meaning they could work like invisible barcodes or QR codes. Researchers have developed a new way to hide secret messages in plain sight. 'Changing any letter, punctuation mark, or symbol into a slightly different form allows you to change the meaning of the document,' says lead author Chang Xiao.