In one embodiment, a system including a processor is operative to receive a content item including a watermark encoding a series of encrypted bits deriving from encrypting an information element multiple times, extract at least some encrypted bits from at least part of the watermark, decrypt a series of N bits using a first key yielding a first value, the series of N bits including Q bits of the encrypted bits and K, greater than, or equal to zero, guessed bits, re-encrypt the first value using a second key yielding a second value, and compare at least part of the second value to M bits of the encrypted bits to determine if at least part of the second value matches the M bits in order to provide a level of confidence that the first value is the information element which was encrypted and embedded as the watermark.