Cicada 3301 is a mysterious and enigmatic online puzzle or alternate reality game that gained notoriety for its complexity and anonymity. It first appeared in January 2012 with a series of cryptic puzzles and challenges, often posted on various internet forums and websites.
The puzzles typically involve a combination of cryptography, steganography, computer programming, and knowledge of various disciplines. Solving these challenges often requires a deep understanding of diverse subjects and analytical skills.