Cryptoglyph is a covert security marking that is designed to be an easy to use, but extremely difficult to reproduce feature. The actual Cryptoglyph is a pseudo-random pattern of unreplicable micro dots (10 to 20 microns in diameter) or slightly larger micro holes (40 to 80 microns in diameter), depending on whether the Cryptoglyph is to be integrated into the printing or into an overprint varnish. These micro dots and micro holes are not only imperceivable to the naked eye, but also are further camouflaged by the imperfections of a printed or coated material.
The information needed to print the Cryptoglyph is stored in a digital image file. One can think of the dots of the Cryptoglyph file as a series of digital invisible watermarks. All the data specifying the arrangement of the Cryptoglyph is encrypted for security, preventing unauthorized access to the Cryptoglyph data.