Abstract: A method and system for synchronizing digital messages. A digital message includes a start-of-message indicator, followed by a key word, followed by the message payload. Before transmitting the digital message, the payload is combined in an exclusive-OR operation with the key word, which is chosen from a pre-designated pool of key words. Each pool represents a message of different type, which is type is related to word length. The key word and start-of-message indicator are appended to the resulting exclusive-OR digital message and transmitted. On receipt, the start-of-message indicator indicates the start of the message, and the key word determines the message word length and, after a second exclusive-OR operation with the key word, restores the original digital message. The start of the message is positively identified without additions to the message payload and without the key word ever appearing in the payload during transmission.