To accomplish this great computational task, we need you to help out by running a special client program on your computer, and allow it to connect to one of our coordinating proxy servers. When the client program runs, your computer will be assigned a block of 268,435,456 keys to test and indicate if a solution was found. Most typical computers can finish one block of this size in about 40 minutes, though it will depend on the speed of your CPU. The more computers we have working together, the faster the combined effort will be. Any machine with a reliable connection to the Internet will work.

Why crack RC5?

The reasons for cracking RC5 are identical to why DES was cracked. To show the U.S. government and the world in general how insecure 64-bit encryption algorithms really are. If that isn't a good enough reason, the $1000 prize should be. Like DESCHALL there is a cash prize. It's not as much because the majority of it is being donated to Project Gutenberg. What ever the reasons, everyone is encouraged to join the HotMail CrackHead Team. No matter how fast your machine is, you are needed and welcomed.

Step 1. You must first be in the stats system under your own e-mail. At the bottom of your individual stats, there will be a button "Mail Me a Password."

Step 2. Once you click that button, you should get a page to the effect of "Your Password has Been Mailed!"

Step 3. Once you receive your password, you should go back to your stats page (You must Reload at your own Stats). At the bottom of the page, there will be a place to enter your password. Enter the password that was e-mailed to you, and click "Edit Participant Information."

Step 4. Enter in 317 for team number.

Step 5. Email me, Christiaan and let me know you joined out team!!! Thank you and welcome aboard.