Firstly the site contains information tracing the origins and history of cryptography. Additionally there is a introduction to modern encryption programs such as PGP that can be used by people to secure their emails and other personal files. Finally in this section there are links to other materials for those people wishing to further their interest of cryptography.

Secondly the site contains information about the work of the Novelist Neal Stephenson. With synopsis of each of his major books and other things that he has written as well as links to further resources for those people wishing to learn more of the subjects that his novels are based upon.

The name for the site is derived from Neal Stephenson's novel Cryptonomicon. One of the central characters is contacted by an individual using the email address [email protected] and who signs the message with the name Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto.

It is explained that this individual is a Secret Admirer, which in the novel is a group of cypherpunks who often identify themselves as Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, or with the number 56 (which is a code meaning Yamamoto).